During the 2024 Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) annual meeting, the delegate body acknowledged four retiring directors. IPPA members serve on the board to discuss the promotion of pork products and meeting the needs of pig farmers across the state.
Jill Brokaw
Years of Service: 2021-2023
Jill Brokaw is a third-generation pig farmer and grew up on her family farm in Joy, Ill. Over the years she has had many industry experiences, including working with her family’s farrow to finish swine operation, management of their feeding and nutrition system and feed mill, as well as row crop farming. She is currently co-owner of Biddle Gilts, LLC., with her father, continuing their decades of partnership with PIC genetics in the sale of female breeding stock throughout the Midwest.
This year, Brokaw 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, on farm sustainability reporting, and Climate Smart Grant applications. She and her husband, Travis, reside in Aledo, Ill., with their two children, Jake and Abby. She 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 participate in many activities supporting their local Autism community.
Pam Janssen
Years of Service: 2010-2023
Pam Janssen’s family has a 300-head, farrow-to-finish pig farm in Woodford County. They are 6th-generation farmers. The farm has 200 head of feeder calves and 1,200 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. Their farm was established in 1874 and has been recognized as a centennial farm. Janssen attends New Life Community Church and supplies sausage for the Minonk Fire & Rescue squad’s annual sausage and pancake breakfast in her community. She and her husband Bob have three children, Ben (Monika), Kim (Brandon) and Brian, four grandchildren, and a new grandbaby due in March.
If she could give advice to someone looking to expand into livestock production, it would be to make sure to learn all the rules and regulations first and then simply enjoy what you do. Janssen has enjoyed her time on the IPPA board and looks forward to spending more time with her family.
Blane Olson
Years of Service: 2018-2023
Blane Olson is the 3rd-generation farmer to own and operate their family’s diverse grain and livestock operation in Logan County. He operates a purebred Duroc show pig and breeding stock operation and, most recently, has added a wean-to-market partnership with the Maschhoffs. The Olson family has raised purebred hogs for over 50 years. This foundation and passion for raising livestock has been in their family for three generations and helped develop their interest in expanding into the commercial industry. He and his family grow corn and soybeans on the grain side. Blane judges swine shows at the local, state and national level. He and his wife, Kristi, have five children: Braden, Kelten, Luke, Coley and Ryce. The Olson family are members of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where he sits on the Parrish Council and Kristi oversees the Sunday School program. Additionally, Olson serves on the Mt. Pulaski school board.
Jason Propst
Years of Service: 2011-2023
Jason Propst is from Cumberland County and wears many hats in the pork industry. He has a small feeder-to-finish operation, helps a contract finisher, and is a Swine Enterprise Specialist for FS Total Livestock Services. He and his wife, Jen, have two children, Matt and Hannah. They spend a lot of time at ball diamonds from March to October with their kids’ baseball and softball programs. Jason and his family are members of the First Baptist Church of Effingham. He earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Illinois.
Propst says being a part of IPPA has helped him better understand the issues the pork industry faces and how they affect operations differently. Furthermore, he has made friends throughout the industry that wouldn’t have been possible without his involvement in IPPA.
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