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.

2025 Award Winner: Representative Josh Heintzeman 

Minnesota Milk Producers Association announced its 2025 Legislator of the Year, Rep. Josh Heintzeman (R-Nisswa). 

Rep. Heintzeman has shown his alignment with policies that positively impact Minnesota's dairy farmers and businesses. He has made efforts to streamline permitting processes and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee. Heintzeman has demonstrated that practical, science-based initiatives can support Minnesota's dairy community while maintaining environmental standards. 

“I’m truly honored to receive this recognition from Minnesota Milk,” Rep. Heintzeman said. “Dairy farmers are essential to our rural communities and local economies, and I’m proud to support policies that keep family farms strong, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and ensure Minnesota agriculture can thrive for generations to come.” 

Minnesota Milk recognizes influential legislators with this award as a token of appreciation for their dedication and support to the state’s agricultural community. 

“We are honored to present this award to Rep. Heintzeman,” said Garrett Luthens, the president of Minnesota Milk’s board. “We value his support in enhancing agriculture across the state.” 

Past Winners

 2025 | Representative Josh Heintzeman
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