About IPPA
Who we are:
The Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is an agricultural trade association representing more than 800 pork producers throughout Illinois. IPPA is comprised of county pork producer organizations in more than 20 counties throughout Illinois. IPPA is an affiliate of the National Pork Producers Council and the National Pork Board. IPPA provides producers with services that enhance profitability and preference for pork.
IPPA has served pork producers for more than 75 years. IPPA is governed by a 21-member board of directors who are all pork producers with the exception of the Allied Industry Representative. Pork producers serve on a variety of committees that plan IPPA activities throughout the year. Producer delegates set policy and give direction to programs at IPPA’s annual meeting.
How we impact the Illinois economy:
The Illinois pork industry contributes an estimated $13.8 billion to the state's economy. Hog production makes up $1.1 billion and hog processing makes up $12.7 billion. Additionally, the pork industry supports over 57,000 jobs in Illinois.
Our Mission:
IPPA’s mission is to provide producers with services that enhance profitability and consumer preference for pork.
Checkoff vs. Non-Checkoff
Checkoff funds provide many services and programs. Pork producers pay 35 cents per $100 value into the national pork checkoff program for each pig marketed. For example a pork producer marketing a 250 lb. hog at $40/cwt. would pay about 35 cents per pig into the checkoff program. The pork checkoff funds activities such as: pork promotion, education to consumers, teachers, and producers, youth programs, and research on pork related issues.
Non-checkoff programs are funded by membership dues and proceeds from the Pork Patio at the Illinois State Fair and from the Illinois Pork Expo, held annually at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield. Non-checkoff programs focus on state and national legislative issues. IPPA works to represent pork producers’ best interest on issues of importance to both producers and the industry.
Strategic Statement:
To maintain and grow pork production in Illinois as a viable industry, enhancing demand for pork by educating consumers, connecting with policy makers, enhancing public perception, and adding value to pork stakeholders through education and issue resolution.
IPPA Priorities:
- Animal Well-Being
Illinois Pork will continue to build trust and transparency for the best management practices in animal husbandry. Illinois Pork will continue to support herd health improvement and work with our partners on endemic domestic diseases and preparation for foreign animal diseases.
- Increasing pork consumption domestically
Illinois Pork will support and build upon existing efforts to promote pork and across the state of Illinois and by partnering with our surrounding states and national pork board to leverage and stretch dollars effectively.
- Provide resources to meet challenges and create opportunities to be successful
Illinois Pork will continue to develop strategies and programs to mitigate labor shortages and prepare for industry challenges and opportunities. Illinois Pork will prioritize industry profitability for all operational structures. Illinois Pork will also continue to provide resources for future generations with leadership development opportunities.
- Advocate for policy and legislation that supports the pork industry
Illinois Pork will proactively engage with our public policy stakeholders, collaborate with our commodity partners and provide transparency with an “open door policy” to educate those individuals interested and willing to better understand the pork industry.
- Improve producer and stakeholder engagement
Illinois Pork will continue to offer grassroots opportunities to our current and future generations of pork producers. We will work with our national organizations to further leverage producer opportunities to support sustainable pork production.