MPA Chairman’s Award Presented to Don Nikodim from Hallsville, Missouri

Osage Beach, Mo.,- Mike Diggs, chairman of the Missouri Pork Association (MPA), announced Don Nikodim of Hallsville, Missouri, as the recipient of the prestigious Chairman's Award during the 2026 Missouri Pork Expo on February 17.

Don grew up on his family farm in El Dorado Springs, Missouri. He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Missouri. Following college, he worked as a vocational agriculture instructor, a farm management specialist with University of Missouri Extension, and as executive secretary of the Poland China Swine Record Association.

In December 1983, Don joined the Missouri Pork Association as executive director. His retirement in 2025 marked the conclusion of a distinguished 40-year career. During his tenure, he provided oversight for fundraising and construction of the new Columbia office in 1985 and the Pork Place restaurant at the Missouri State Fair in 2009. Don also served as a registered state lobbyist, representing Missouri's pork industry on legislative and regulatory issues.

Throughout his career, Don served on numerous committees and boards, including the U.S. Meat Export Federation, University of Missouri, and the Missouri Department of Agriculture. He was a member of the board of Missouri Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (Class II), as well as the Missouri FFA and Missouri 4-H Foundation boards.

Don and his wife, Betty, reside near Hallsville.

Each year, the Chairman's Award recognizes an individual for outstanding service and support of the pork industry, the Association, and its members.

The 2026 Missouri Pork Expo was held February 17-18 in Osage Beach. Pork producers from across the state attended the annual event, which featured a trade show, educational sessions, and guest speakers.

The Missouri Pork Association represents the state's pork producers in the areas of promotion, research, education, and public policy. For more information about this or any other programs of the Missouri Pork Association, go to www.mopork.com, or call the Missouri Pork Association office at (573) 445-8375.

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