ABOVE: Clockwise from top left: Larry Becker, pictured with his wife Linda, Lonny Schwieger, Daryl Bartz, and Duane Behrens, pictured with his wife Myrna, are the first class of the Martin County Pork Producers Hall of Fame, recognized for their ingenuity, skill and dedication to their craft that helped make pork the industry it is today in Martin County.

MARTIN COUNTY – The Martin County Pork Producers have created a new hall of fame to honor the trailblazers and success stories that have made Martin County the stalwart pork producer it is today.

The first class consists of Larry Becker of LB Pork, Duane Behrens of Pork Behrens, Daryl Bartz of Lilly Creek Farm and Lonny Schwieger of Schwieger Hogs.

Larry Becker began farming with his father in 1970, adding two finishing barns, two farrowing houses, a nursery and a gestation bar in the 25 years between then and officially forming LB Pork Inc. in 1995. LB Pork has gone from marketing 10,000 hogs a year on a single site in the 90s to operating a multi-site production system today.

Duane Behrens started with a gift of 12 gilts from his parents and a chicken barn as a farrowing facility in 1965. For 20 years they sold feeder pigs, then started finishing pigs by networking with other local producers. By 1994, Behrens participated in a 1,500-sow farrowing operation. Pork production continues to this day, now undertaken by his son Kevin Behrens.

Daryl Bartz purchased 12 slaughter sows in 1963, and he and his family renovated existing chicken barns and hog buildings to support growth into a larger operation. Bartz had the first Weigh-Tronix automated feed system, which used an air system to fill bulk bins, and assisted with projects such as Wacoma, Center Creek Pork and Fairmont Artificial Breeders.

Lonny Schwieger farmed with his dad in the 60s and 70s, before creating Hen-Way Manufacturing to help producers with their needs as swine turned from outdoor production to confinement systems. Innovations under his company included AquaFeeders and models of hog scales to monitor livestock performance.

Lifelong Martin County Pork Producers Supporter and son of Larry Becker, Lynn Becker, said he got the idea to start a hall of fame from his travels and the impact Martin County has had throughout.

“I’ve been able to be on state boards, national boards, done a lot of travel all over,” he said. “It’s Martin County [who] has pioneered and developed a lot of what the swine industry looks like around the Midwest. Some of these guys that really were instrumental in those early years.”

Lynn’s brother Lonnie Becker is currently on the pork board, and after bringing up the idea to him, Lynn Becker said the idea was a huge hit. From there he, Lonnie, and long-time Fairmont Veterinarian Jim Dick put their heads together on who should be in the first class.

“These four are very similar in age, have collaborated on a number of sow farms,” Lynn Becker said. “Just really good friends, they all grew up and brought the industry together, helped get the industry going in Martin County. We just thought it was fitting to do all four at one time.”

By forming this hall of fame, Lynn Becker said it’s a way to recognize the founders of an industry that has changed so much since the beginning.

“I thought this was a good way to not only honor and recognize those individuals that developed the Martin County pork industry, but also to educate, put a name to the face, so their contributions aren’t forgotten. My brother and I grew up watching these guys do it right. Just learn how they collaborated together and learned from each other. They’re all mentors.”

Moving forward, the hall of fame will continue to induct new members, but it is undecided how many at a time or how often.

“I think our intention is one to two per year moving forward,” Lynn Becker said. “Keep adding to it as it makes sense. Keep honoring more individuals and families that contributed to our county’s success and help make the bacon capital what it is today. It’s new. Does that mean it’s every year? Hard to say, but I would say the next 10 to 15 years, we’re going to have no problem finding a worthy candidate.”

The inaugural class will be recognized at the Martin County Pork Producers annual banquet Saturday, March 21. There will be a reception honoring the inductees at 5 p.m., followed by a meal and awards program at 6 p.m., which will include a hall of fame recognition.

To inquire about attending the banquet, call 775-397-8111. Limited tickets are available.