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Illinois hog unit gets ribbon cutting

Plenty of hog houses go into service with very little fanfare, but two units near Utica, Illinois get a ceremonial grand opening this week.

“Our ribbon cutting is kind of our opportunity to have the community out and actually see the building prior to the hogs going in and our chance to kick off our new adventure here,” said Kate Hagenbuch, who with her husband John, has completed two buildings that will each house 2,400 hogs.

For a decade, the couple has built up their current herd of 75 sows that they farrow.

“Right now we’re finishing out probably roughly 1,500 head a year; this obviously is going to significantly increase that number, but still keep it at a size that’s manageable with a family farm still,” said Hagenbuch. “As we speak, we’re still going to be keeping it just with John and I.”

For a few years, the Illinois Pork Producers Association has assisted producers who choose to open new facilities to the public.

“We look at it as a way to celebrate and congratulate the producers and their families for getting to that point and making that investment as well as looking at it as an educational opportunity to bring folks in and show them the things that we’re doing to raise pork for them and their families,” said Tim Maiers, director of public relations for the Illinois Pork Producers.

The Hagenbuch’s ribbon cutting and open house is Tuesday, October 25, at 4:30 p.m., near Utica, Illinois.

AUDIO: Kate Hagenbuch (12 min. MP3)

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