Q&A with Meg Freking — Co-Owner of New Fashion Pork

The swine industry thrives on the strength of its people, the passion they bring, and the opportunities it creates for future generations. In this installment of Showmen Currently in the Field, we’re thrilled to feature Meg Freking, Co-Owner of New Fashion Pork. Meg has been a leader in the swine industry, blending her expertise in technology and operations with her dedication to family, education, and mentorship.

From managing a large-scale commercial sow operation to promoting youth involvement through show pigs and internships, Meg’s journey highlights the diverse opportunities in pork production.

Q: ShowPig
Meg, thank you for joining us! To kick things off, can you introduce yourself and tell us how you got involved in the pork industry?

A: Meg Freking
Thank you for having me! My name is Meg Freking, and I’m one of the owners of New Fashion Pork, a commercial sow operation based in Southwest Minnesota. My husband Brad and I, along with our family, manage around 65,000 sows and produce over 1.5 million market pigs annually.

Growing up in agriculture, Brad and I were both involved in 4-H, which gave us a foundation in livestock care. When our kids were younger, we wanted to give them the same experience, so we turned to the show pig world. It became a way for them to learn responsibility and build connections within the industry—while also gaining hands-on experience in taking care of pigs.

Q: ShowPig
Your family has been deeply involved in the swine industry, both on the commercial and show sides. How has that shaped your approach to business and education?

A: Meg Freking
It’s been a huge part of who we are. Our three boys—Ben, Will, and Thomas—all grew up showing livestock, which taught them a lot about hard work and responsibility. While we never pushed them to come back to the family business, we’ve been thrilled to see their interest grow.

Ben is studying business and math, with a focus on commodity marketing—an essential part of our operation. Will is pursuing a master’s in business and considering law school, and Thomas is a sophomore in food science. Their diverse paths showcase the many opportunities in agriculture, from nutrition and marketing to the science behind livestock care.

Q: ShowPig
You’ve been a leader in the swine industry for many years. Can you tell us about your current role and how your journey has evolved?

A: Meg Freking
Brad and I share ownership of New Fashion Pork with other family members, and we oversee a team of about 450 employees across eight states. My background is in software development, which I’ve applied to integrate production data with financial systems—ensuring our business stays efficient and forward-thinking.

We’re involved in every aspect of pork production, from crop operations and sow farms to processing facilities. It’s a dynamic and challenging industry, and we work hard to recruit talented individuals who are passionate about agriculture. Whether it’s through our internship program or networking at livestock shows, we’re always looking to build a strong team for the future.

Q: ShowPig
You mentioned internships as a key part of your business. What opportunities does New Fashion Pork offer for young people interested in the industry?

A: Meg Freking
We’re incredibly proud of our internship program. It’s a six to eight-week experience that gives students hands-on exposure to every part of the industry—from AI centers and sow farms to the crop side of production.

Our goal is to provide meaningful learning experiences, whether or not someone ends up working for us long-term. For example, pre-vet students may not stay in commercial production, but their exposure to large-scale operations adds valuable perspective. We believe in opening doors for young people, and word of mouth from past interns has been instrumental in bringing new talent to our team.

Q: ShowPig
What excites you most about the future of the swine industry, and what challenges do you see ahead?

A: Meg Freking
The people are what excite me the most. It’s inspiring to see young talent stepping into leadership roles, whether in production, science, or marketing. Agriculture offers endless opportunities, and the swine industry is no exception.

The challenges are real, though—biosecurity, health management, and sustainability are ongoing priorities. But with the right people and innovation, we can overcome them. It’s also important to remember that at the heart of what we do is raising safe, healthy pork for consumers. That purpose keeps us grounded and motivated.

Q: ShowPig
To wrap up our discussion, what advice would you give to young showmen or anyone looking to get involved in the swine industry?

A: Meg Freking
Get involved and stay curious! Showmanship teaches valuable life skills, like presenting yourself and caring for an animal. But don’t just focus on the ring—watch and learn from what’s happening in the pens and behind the scenes.

The swine industry is full of opportunities, and every bit of exposure helps. Whether it’s through internships, networking, or simply asking questions, there’s always more to learn. And most importantly, enjoy the journey—it’s a rewarding industry to be part of.

Thank you, Meg, for sharing your insights and for all you do to support youth, families, and the pork industry as a whole! This series is made possible through the strategic partnership of the National Pork Board. To learn more about the partnership, click HERE.