Legislator of the Year

Each year, Minnesota Milk Producers Association honors one outstanding legislator with the Legislator of the Year award in recognition of their exceptional dedication to Minnesota’s dairy industry. This award celebrates a lawmaker who has gone above and beyond in advocating for dairy farmers, rural communities, and agricultural sustainability through meaningful actions at the State Capitol. Whether by championing key legislation, securing vital resources, or elevating the voice of dairy in public policy, the recipient demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing dairy producers. Their leadership helps ensure a stronger future for Minnesota’s dairy farm families.

2024 Award Winner: Senator Nick Frentz

Minnesota Milk Producers Association announced its 2024 Legislator of the Year, Senator Nick Frentz (18, DFL). 

The award was presented at Annexstad Dairy Farm in Nicollet County in September. The association formally recognized Senator Frentz during its annual Dairy Dinner banquet on the evening of February 4, 2025, in St. Paul. 

“It was an honor to host Sen. Frentz at our farm,” dairy farmer Jean Annexstad, co-owner of Annexstad Dairy Farm, said. “We appreciate his work supporting farms like ours. It is good to know we have an advocate in St. Paul.” 

Sen. Frentz has demonstrated his alignment with policies positively impacting Minnesota’s dairy community and remains curious about the issues impacting farms. His support for scientifically sound initiatives is essential to the state’s farmers who are prioritizing environmental efforts. He is also aware of issues impacting employers, especially in regard to how taxes and fees affect businesses like dairy farming. 

“I’m honored to accept this award from Minnesota Milk as their 2024 Legislator of the Year,” Sen. Frentz said. “It’s a privilege to advocate for all Minnesota farmers – including dairy farmers – that help make us a very proud agricultural state. I look forward to continuing to build those partnerships at the capitol.” 

Minnesota Milk applauds influential legislators with this annual award as a token of appreciation for their commitment and support to the state’s farming community. 

“We’re proud to recognize Sen. Frentz with this award,” Minnesota Milk’s board president Garrett Luthens said. “We appreciate his continued efforts to improve and support agriculture throughout the state.”

Past Winners

2024 | Senator Nick Frentz
2023 | Senator Aric Putnam
2021 | Representative Nathan Nelson
2020 | Representative Collin Peterson
2019 | Representative Melissa Hortman
2018 | Senator Bill Weber
2017 | Senator Torrey Westrom
2016 | Representative Lyle Koenen
2015 | Representative Denny McNamara 
2014 | Representative Rod Hamilton
2013 | Representative Jeanne Poppe
2011 | Representative Paul Anderson
2010 | Representative Mary Ellen Otrema