Swine Spotlight Program
IPPA values the hard work done by pig farmers and employees to provide nutritious protein to consumers. To highlight these dedicated employees, we have created the Swine Spotlight Program in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim.
Each month we are inviting farm owners or employers to nominate their employees that work on and off the farm that go above and beyond. Each employee chosen monthly will receive a grilling set, recognition on our social channels and Chop Talk, and be entered to win the grand prize selected in Pork Month, October 2023.
*Nominations are rolling
January Swine Spotlight
Carlos Flores of Waterman, Illinois
Carlos Flores is a gestation swine tech at Pipestone’s Independence Pork sow farm in northern Illinois. He has 17 years of experience within the pork industry with 5 years at Independence Pork.
Nominator Angelica Mariano says, “Carlos is an extremely important team member and a huge part of the success of the farm. We appreciate his hard work and dedication to the pork industry.”
Congratulations, Carlos!
February Swine Spotlight
Phillip Steber of Newton, Illinois
Phillip Newton is the sow farm for Borgic Farms’ Newton site. Phillip has 35 years in the pork industry, thirty of which have been at the Newton sow farm. He has seen the site grow from an 800 head farrow-finish operation to a 6500 head breed-to-wean operation. Phillip has been instrumental in the development, growth, and success of this farm. His dedication to this farm and team are unquestionable. Phillip is great at building team members and pushing the team to reach their full potential.
Congratulations, Phillip!
March Swine Spotlight
Corey Thompson of Kinmundy, Illinois
Corey Thompson is a field advisor for The Equity. He has 20 plus years of experience in the pork industry, including 9 years of on farm service. “Corey has developed strong relationships with his growers he oversees. His knowledge of the industry and pig health has delivered outstanding results for pig owners as well as our contract producers,” says Randy Kuker with The Equity. “Corey is our go to expert at ventilation at the Equity and was also our top marketer. He definitely has the respect of his peers and growers and his passion for pigs keeps driving best in class results.”
Congratulations, Corey!
April Swine Spotlight
Kim Hamilton of Chatham, Illinois
Kim Hamilton is Director of Marketing for The Illinois Pork Producers Association. Kim joined IPPA in November 2021 and hit the ground running. Kim works hard to support our industry by leveraging and increasing our partnerships with groups including, IL Farm Families, U of I athletics, ACF Chef-Chicago, Northwestern basketball, IL Assoc. of Meat Processors, and IHSA. Kim has also promoted pork with a variety of current and new retail partners including, Meijer, Minit Mart, Kwik Star, Moto Mart, Schnucks, Hy-Vee, County Market, Jewel, Tony's Fresh Market, Mariano's, Sam's Club and Kroger. She is a true asset to our association and works very hard for our Illinois pork producers to get their products in hands of more consumers. She is continuing looking for new ways to improve and wisely spend producer checkoff dollars. “I am very proud to work with Kim and call her a part of Team Pork,” says Jennifer Tirey, Executive Director, IPPA.
Congratulations, Kim!
May Swine Spotlight
Jenny Russell of Joy, Illinois
Jenny Russell is the farrowing manager at Winters Creek Inc., and she has been in the pork industry for 5 years.
“Jenny is a huge asset to the team on our sow farm,” says Jill Brokaw. “Jenny was a cosmetologist for two decades before joining the pork industry, but you would never know it! Today her role is farrowing manager and is the real baby pig mama! Her attention to detail and commitment to the animals make her a valuable member of our farrowing team. Thank you, Jenny, for all of your hard work and dedication!”
Congratulations, Jenny!
June Swine Spotlight
Pat Green of Carlyle, Illinois
Pat Green was a production manager for The Maschhoffs, LLC for nearly 4 years and recently accepted a position at Borgic Farms.
“My team and I have the opportunity to work closely with Pat and have found him to be such an asset to the industry,” says Lauren Meyer, supply chain manager with the Maschhoffs. “He pays close attention to detail, never backs down from a challenge and has a genuine interest in doing what is best for the business. He holds a role that is responsible for both gilt and commercial animals and finds a way to gracefully balance the differing workloads. He's a great individual to collaborate with because the quality of his questions is extremely motivating. We're happy to have Pat on the team and appreciate all the effort he puts into everything he does!”
Congratulations, Pat Green!