The Iowa pork industry has a long history of honoring producers who excel in the production of hogs and this is another significant award that has been handed out since 1958.
 
Sponsored by the Iowa Purebred Swine Council, the Master Seedstock Producer Award is designed to recognize significant contributions to the Iowa and national purebred industries and for evidence of genetic improvements within their selected breeds for the benefit of Iowa, the nation and, in many cases, internationally.
 
That initial 1958 class consisted of Wilbert Meinhart of Hudson, Wallace Lang and his son, Tom, of Brooklyn and Bernard Weed and sons of Ute.
 
Over the years, recipients of the Master Seedstock Producer Award have become a virtual "Who's Who" of seedstock producers in Iowa purebred circles -- the Friedows of Kanawha, the Hirsches of Indianola, the Stewarts of Waverly, the Eddie brothers of Storm Lake, the Conover family, Curtiss of Churdan, the Olsons, the Huinkers, the Christians and so many other distinguished producers.

With thousands of people involved in pork production in Iowa, it is a rare honor to receive the award and more than 100 Master Seedstock Producers have now been recognized since the award's inception.

2012 Master Seedstock Producer

The Master Seedstock Award is presented annually by the Iowa Purebred Swine Council to recognize outstanding seedstock producers who exemplify integrity, leadership and success in the production and promotion of the purebred swine industry.

Frank D. Albertsen
Toledo, Tama County

Albertsen was presented with the award at the 41st annual Iowa Pork Congress Banquet in Des Moines Jan. 23, 2013.

Albertsen has achieved many unique goals during his 45 years of swine seedstock production. He’s best known as a Poland China breeder of international renown, but also has raised eight other breeds for varying periods over the years. Frank maintains a small herd of Poland China hogs to supply youth show animals and to strengthen the breed.

His first Iowa State Fair champion gilt in 1969 was followed by a string of State Fair champions. He showed National breed champions on multiple occasions and has had several National Barrow Show top sellers. Albertsen holds the distinction of owning the only Tamworth super-sire in National Barrow Show history. He continues to show at the National Barrow Show, Iowa State Fair and some local shows.

Frank was active in the Iowa test station projects throughout their existence and had top performing pens. He helped develop a sow productivity index in the late 1960s and used scanning technology to move his breed productivity forward to assist commercial customers.

Albertsen has been active in national breed association activities, particularly Poland China. He has been a swine and cattle show judge at the state, national and international levels.

Frank and his wife, Becky, are active in community, church and school. They have five adult children.

Frank was a Vocational Agriculture teacher for 40 years. He served on the Marshalltown Community College Advisory Council, has been a 4-H club leader and was Tama County Extension director. He has been involved in Iowa Pork Producers Association activities for many years along with active participation in the Tama County Livestock and Fair Association, Farm Bureau, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Soybean Association and international trade activities through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.