Biography
Brandon Schafer is the president and CEO of his family’s seven-generation farm, which raises 400 beef cow/calf pairs and 2,200 sows, accompanied by wean-to-market production. The farm also manages 90,000 pigs per year, focusing on multiplication. The family was honored with Minnesota Pork Family of the Year in 2021.
Off the farm, Schafer is a producer director of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health and a lifelong volunteer with his county and state 4-H. He is a delegate for the US Swine Health Improvement Plan within the industry. He has been active with NPB through its State Task Force (2022-2023) and Visioning Task Force (2021). Schafer has also served on the Minnesota Pork Producers Association Board of Directors (2006-2015, 2022, president in 2007) and the National Pork Producers Council Nominating Committee (2015-2018).
Nominating Committee Comments
Brandon Schafer mentioned that everything else would follow if we put the pig first from a transparent health and welfare standpoint. Our committee assumes it’s “pigs over profit” while keeping people front of mind as well. After all, Schafer has a long-term, cross-generational experience. Therefore, he advocates making the right decisions today and knowing their impact on future generations. His polished confidence was a balance of pigs, the business and being relatable to slat-level personnel.
While domestic demand is a priority for the industry, the committee understands that a diverse board with expertise in various subject matters is crucial for differing perspectives, understanding potential outcomes and judiciously spending Checkoff funds. Schafer’s self-awareness, clear communication and sophisticated conversation about endemic disease demonstrated how he interprets his on-farm role and challenges in his state.