“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.” – Rocky
No one would argue the character Rocky, played by Sylvester Stallone, had a lot of ups and downs in his life. Illinois Pork Producers Association Executive Director Jennifer Tirey said it reminds her of what hog farmers have been going through, especially over the last couple years.
“I know they feel beat down a little bit, so I wanted to start the conversation at Illinois Pork Expo by recognizing that. But I also wanted to share some insight into what their association has been doing to try to work for them,” she said. “We want them to know we are here for them.”
During her executive report at the IPPA annual meeting on Jan. 30, she shared five key themes for the Illinois pork industry in 2024 in her “Rocky” message.
R: Retail and Demand Wins
The Illinois pork industry has been capturing some retail wins in the past year, Tirey said, with representation at over 680 stores. In 2024, they plan to target greater efforts in food service utilizing a National Pork Board grant.
“With Chicago being in our state, we have many restaurants and food service opportunities,” Tirey added. “We have a lot of purchasing power, so we want to capitalize on that opportunity.”
O: Opportunities
IPPA is actively seeking ways to provide opportunities for the next generation of swine industry leaders. In May, the organization will kick off its next future leaders class.
In addition, IPPA continues to reimburse organizations around the state through its Community Co-Op Funding Program. The Pork Power program donated 67,605 lb. of ground pork last year alone. In addition, IPPA is part of a pilot program – the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program Act with the Illinois Department of Human Services to provide protein for families in need throughout the state. Not only does it create the potential for IPPA to receive up to $500,000 in grant funds, but producers are expected to be reimbursed an estimated $0.425 per lb./carcass weight and processors an estimated $0.85 per lb./carcass weight.
C: Community College Engagement
IPPA is excited to help students gain a better understanding of the livestock industry while providing a scholarship and a path in to the pork industry, Tirey said. She announced a new partnership with Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Ill.
“We will be developing the Illinois Pork Industry Group (PIG) – an exciting six-session experience in conjunction with Lincoln Land Community College to help young people learn more about opportunities in the pork industry,” she said. “We are so excited to immerse these students in all things pork!”
K: Keeping Our Producers in Business
Of course, keeping producers in business is one of IPPA’s most important goals in the year ahead, she pointed out. Whether that’s helping them secure labor amid a labor shortage, providing them with tools to help them succeed on the farm or advocating for the farm bill.
“For example, more of our members are hiring employees from other countries, so we wanted to provide that resource and translation guides free of charge,” Tirey said. “Establishing an International Worker,” is a new resource guide developed by IPPA for pork producers hiring international workers.
Y: YOU!
She rounded it out with a reminder to producers that “it’s all about you.” IPPA is offering several new membership benefits, including $500 off with Swine Works and through the Illinois Paid Workers Leave Act, members have the benefit to speak with HeplerBroom law firm to review their policies.
“I want our producers to know that we are here and it’s not just me, but my entire team. We’re a small, but mighty team. We get up every day and come to work with the goal of working for our producers,” Tirey said.
She wrapped up her Rocky message to the theme song, “Gonna Fly Now.”
“So even though things aren’t looking great, and they may feel a little bit like beat-up Rocky, I tried to conclude my message with hope,” she said. “Rocky persevered. Life will beat you down, but you’ve got to keep fighting. We’re here to help producers keep fighting and to see another day.”
Read More from Illinois Pork Expo:
Pork Outlook is Better, But Not Good, Meyer Says
“The Pig Lady” Takes Over the Reins for Illinois Pork Industry
