Tyler Main

District 1

Tyler Main works on his family’s grain and swine farm in Knox County. His family grows corn and soybeans and raises pigs from wean-to-finish. His grandfather, father and uncle have all been pork producers. He grew up on their family's grain and livestock farm. His dad and uncle had a 750- sow farrow to finish operation until 2011 when they made the decision to sell the sows and invest in a sow cooperative. His dad served on the county level and helps with the fair each year. His uncle continues to serve on the county level as a board member and is a past member of the state pork board. Tyler serves as the Safety Officer on the Altona Fire Department and is a member of the Grove Community Church in Altona.

 

Tyler earned his associate’s degree at Black Hawk East and his bachelor’s at Illinois State University where he majored in Agronomy Management.  Upon graduation, he spent the summer on a wheat harvest out west and returned home to the family farm at the end of August.

 

How do you believe the landscape of the industry has changed over the last five years? 

“The industry has seen more consolidation and ever-growing disease issues along with high feed costs and employee retention/availability. The high-priced sow market a few years ago gave some older producers a chance to exit the industry who may not have given the next generation willing or desire to continue in the pig business.”

 

  • Knox County Farm Bureau Young Leaders Committee Chairman
  • Knox County Farm Bureau Board Member, Corn Growers Board Member and Pork Producer Board Member
  • Served five years on the Knox County Soil and Water Conservation District Board as a Director
  • IPPA Future Leader Program Member