After a challenging year for swine producers and local pork businesses due to the pandemic, a delightful surprise came in the form of recognition from the Washington Economic Development Group.

Brenneman Pork based out of Washington was one of two recipients of the Harvey Holden Special Service Award and was recognized during the annual Washington Business Partnership Dinner earlier this month. Brenneman Pork Co-owner Rob Brenneman says he was blown away when he was notified that he’d be receiving the award, but as a lifelong Washington County resident and a business owner, he understands the importance of giving back to local residents, “It’s about the community, our business is about the community, because we are an agricultural county and pork production offers a lot of opportunities in agriculture and in the county and if we don’t build young people and we don’t offer things that help the community then the community doesn’t thrive.”

You can hear more from Brenneman in the first edition of this week’s KCII Special Edition Ag Magazine at 1 and 6 p.m. today and on our streaming page.