Austin Betzold
Nokomis, IL
Meet Austin Betzold
Family History
• Austin is a 5th generation farmer.
• Attended Lake Land College then Iowa State University to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Studies with an Agronomy Minor.
• He farms alongside his father, Bruce.
• Their family farm just received the Sesquicentennial Award for 150 years.
• He also raises 170 head of purebred angus cattle and grows corn and soybeans.
Construction and Operation Oversight
• The barn will be home to 2,450 head of pigs.
• It is oriented East/West and measures 81’ x 241’.
• The barn has been constructed per stringent standards set forth by the Livestock Management Facilities Act (LMFA) governed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA).
• IDOA representatives inspected the farm before, during and after construction.
• Once in operation, the farm must continue to comply with the IL Environmental Protection Act, enforced by the IL EPA.
The Pigs
• Pigs will enter the barns weighing around 12 pounds, where they will be housed for six months until they reach market weight of approximately 280 pounds.
• They will have full access to feed and water.
• Computer controlled ventilation will properly control the temperature and humidity levels in the barns to give the pigs a comfortable environment.
Local Economic Benefits
• The hog farm will support jobs in the community pertaining to the construction of the barn, milling and delivery of feed, and transporting the pigs.
• A large percentage of local tax revenues will go to Nokomis CUSD #2.
• This hog farm will produce over 320,000 (5-7 oz.) pork chops and over 5 million slices of bacon per year, feeding the local community and beyond!
• In one year, the pigs will consume approximately 40,000 bushels of corn and 6,000 bushels of soybeans, grown by local farmers.
Materials Sourced From Illinois Businesses
• Feed systems from AP, Assumption.
• Electric for the barn installed by B K Electric, Griggsville.
• Rock was bought locally from the Nokomis Quarry.
• Propane from South Central FS.
• Gates and feeders from Farmweld, Teutopolis.
• Feed bins from Schuld-Bushnell, Bushnell.
• Concrete for construction sourced from Poggenpohl Redi Mix, Raymond.