“The Pig Lady” Takes Over the Reins for Illinois Pork Industry
In 2011, Cheryl Cowser Walsh, a fourth-generation pig farmer from Princeville, Ill., agreed to take a young pig into the classroom as part of Illinois Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program. Little did she know that her “yes” would turn into visiting more than 1,000 classrooms over the next decade.
With all the demands of the farm pulling her in multiple directions each day, it’s hard to believe how she found the time to visit classroom upon classroom to talk about pigs. But her why is clear.
“I do it because most of these kids have never seen a live pig before,” Walsh says. “They don’t realize this is where their bacon comes from. Most of these kids go to school 3-4 blocks from their home and rarely go into a grocery store. I want to help them understand where their bacon comes from, and the role farmers play in making that possible.”
The reality is these kids are future voters, future consumers, and even future policy makers, she adds. She hopes to help provide education and tools for them to be able to use when they grow up. However, the kids aren’t the only ones who have little to no knowledge of pork production.
“The teachers and administration get to experience it, too. It's so important we educate them because most have no idea of where pork comes from,” she adds.
Over time, Walsh affectionately became known as “The Pig Lady.” On Jan. 30, she added a new title to her name – president of the Illinois Pork Producers Association.
Farm Journal’s PORK met up with Walsh during the Illinois Pork Expo to find out more about IPPA's new leader.
Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
A. I’m a fourth-generation producer from Peoria County. I own and operate Cowser Inc., which includes a sow farm, hay and cow-calf operation. All the weaned pigs from our farm are sold directly to customers. I am also the owner/operator of a sister company, Cowser Field & Feedlot, which grows corn and soybeans and helps produce some of the products that are fed to the sows. My fiancé, Derek, and I have five children – Reagan, Rylie, Ashlynn, Ty and Brinnley. I am actively involved with the Peoria County Farm Bureau, serve as township director, participate on several local committees, and love being involved in Ag in the Classroom.
Q. Why did you decide to step up to this challenge?
A. I come from a family of very hard workers. I see how hard they have worked to make our businesses as successful as they are. But we are in a time period where you can’t just sit back and work. You have to be involved in the industry that helps feed you. You have to help be a voice for that industry so that you can make sure that your lawmakers and policymakers are doing the right things.
Q. How would you describe yourself?
A. I never say no. I’m highly motivated and a bit headstrong. I don’t like to be told I can’t do something.
Q. If you could only accomplish one thing this year, what would it be and why?
A. To get the writing in the farm bill to revert Prop 12. If Prop 12 continues to go from state to state, it will affect my fourth-generation family farm. And I’m just one of many.
Q. It’s been a tough year for pork producers. What victories can the industry celebrate?
A. We’ve had some young producers come back to the family business. The Illinois Pork Producers Association has done a great job of reaching out to help producers. We created “Establishing an International Worker,” a new resource guide for pork producers hiring international workers. It provides general information and guidance for how producers can support workers once they arrive on-site.
Q. Why are you optimistic about future of swine industry in Illinois?
A. It goes back to who pork producers are – we have strong backbones, we are resilient, we accept change and we try to keep up with the times of world, not just our area. We are willing to do what we have to in order to provide a safe, healthy nutritious protein source for the world.
Q. What do you like to do for fun?
A. I love watching my kids play sports and show sheep and dairy cattle. I really enjoy supporting my kids in their activities.
Q. What kind of leader is the IPPA getting?
A. I’m incredibly passionate about the pork industry. I believe it’s important for us to educate the consumer and think that’s one of the key opportunities I’ll have while serving in this leadership role.
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