FAIRMONT — We never know just how our life decisions are going to impact others. But some of us may get an idea after time. On February 4, Bill Crawford of Fairmont became one of those people, as he was honored by the Minnesota Pork Board’s recognized him as their 2019 Distinguished Award recipient.

Crawford is well known to many, having been involved in communities in and around Martin County for 26 years. He served as the Martin County Extension agent and as an ag representative on the Fairmont Economic Development Authority. He is also well known for

for grilling pork loins or pork patties during his involvement with the Martin County Pork Producers.

Crawford recently retired from his position working at Preferred Capital Management in Fairmont, a position he enjoyed after serving as the University of Minnesota Extension Educator in Martin County.

“I still maintained a lot of contact with the Martin County Pork Producers,” he said in a previous interview. “I was on the county board for a lot of years, and I did a lot of work with the early Martin County Magic [pork seasoning]. I was also on the state Pork Producer board and served for nine years, three as president, so that was a highlight and I served two years on the national Pork Board nominating committee.”

According to a press release from the Minnesota Pork Board, Crawford saw his work there as opportunity to contribute to others.

“It was a way for me to give back to the industry and hopefully bring forward quality candidates at the national level,” stated Crawford. “It’s an educational process to bring farmers into the industry, and it has been great to see the industry grow. I’m so excited to see it continue to grow and get better.

“It’s not enough for farmers to just be out here feeding pigs, or raising cattle, or raising corn or soybeans anymore; we’ve got to keep people involved and keep people in-the-know, otherwise these organizations are going to get further and further away from us.”

Before his retirement, Crawford stated that he particularly enjoyed the farm county that Martin County has to offer, as well as the hard working individuals he has met and worked alongside.

“Martin County is one of the premiere ag counties in the state of Minnesota and all throughout the Upper Midwest,” he said. “I grew up in Pipestone and it’s a good farm area too, but nothing like Martin County soils. This is prime farm country.

“The people all across Minnesota were ‘get ‘er done’ kind of people, and we’re not going to make a lot of excuses, we’re going to choose a path and go.” Those interested in learning more about Crawford’s achievements or the Minnesota Pork Industry can find information at www.mnpork.com.