Jill Brokaw
District 1
Jill Brokaw grew up on her family farm Biddle Farm Inc. and is a third generation pig farmer. Her family farm is a farrow-to-finish operation that includes, three sow farms, contract finishing barns, and their own feed mill. They are also a PIC gilt multiplier and grow corn and soybeans. Jill’s role on her family farm has evolved over the past year to primarily involve gilt sales. This year she stepped into a role with The National Pork Board in producer outreach and sustainability coordination for the states of Illinois and Missouri. Through this role she works closely with the state associations to provide assistance and support for local swine producers while focusing on foreign animal disease preparedness and on farm sustainability reporting, as well as Climate Smart Grant applications. Jill and her husband Travis reside in Aledo Illinois with their two children, Jake and Abby. Jill spends her free time supporting the extracurricular activities of her children while being engaged in many functions and committees for their school district. Her son has special needs, so they also have the opportunity to participate in many activities supporting their local Autism community.
Jill graduated from Carl Sandburg College with a degree in Dental Hygiene. Jill practiced for 15 years prior to returning to their farm full time.
How do you believe the landscape of the industry has changed over the last five years?
“We have seen some incredible resiliency in the face of adversity within the landscape of our industry. From increased disease breaks, to restrictions and pauses due to the pandemic, to incredible input costs and inflation we have proven how strong pig farming is and how strong pig farmers are. Looking ahead I feel the focus will continue to be on herd health and Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) preparedness as well as continuing to increase technology within the swine industry.” She is happy to have the opportunity to represent the production side of the pork industry, as well as promoting a product so dear to her heart.
- Completion of the Pork Leadership Institute