Hog Wild

Lincoln Family Receives Pork Producer’s Top Prize

[FEB. 7, 2000]  Wilbur and Alice Paulus of rural Lincoln didn't know what they were starting when they began a hog operation in 1958. But two generations later, the family, which has grown to include four children and eight grandchildren, has been recognized for years of promoting the pork industry by being named Illinois Pork Producer Family of the Year.

The award was presented last week during the Illinois Pork Expo at the Peoria Civic Center.

"It's a nice recognition, but we realize many families are doing the same thing," Wilbur Paulus said. "They should be honored, also."

Wilbur's son, Kent, was happy to see his parents get recognized.

"I'm extremely honored, especially for Mom and Dad," he said. "They were so active in the beginning of the organization. They realized involvement was important.

"But this (award) is representative of many families. We're not the only ones left, although quite a few have left the business."

Each year, the Illinois Pork Producers recognizes a pork producer family who has done an outstanding job for many years in the promotion of pork, and exemplified leadership skills on county, state and national levels, with emphasis placed on county involvement.

"We're very proud -- we spent many hours on the road at organization meetings," said Alice Paulus. "But it's not only how active you are, but also how you promote. We spent a lot of time promoting our product. But we've gotten as much as we've given."

Wilbur Paulus said one of the ways hog farmers contribute is with a check-off program.

"Whenever we sell hogs, a certain amount is withheld and sent to the national organization," he said.

"It's used for research, promotion and education," added Kent Paulus. "Different groups decide how to spend the money."

Wilbur and Alice, whose business has grown into an 800 sow farrow-to-finish operation on the 1,800-acre Paulus Farm, started it all when they moved back home after Wilbur graduated from Iowa State University.

Besides Kent and his wife Lynn, the family also includes son Randy, daughter and son-in-law Becky and Leland Semple, and daughter Lori.

Randy is primarily involved in the crop operation, while Kent takes care of the management of the hog operation. Leland Semple runs a feeder-to-finish operation with feeders purchased from the Pauluses, and Lynn Paulus helps with the computerization of farm records. The Paulus grandchildren also chip in when needed.

"We started in 1958, but hogs have been on this farm ever since I can remember - we've always had hogs," Wilbur Paulus said. "Back in those days, farms were diversified - you had cattle, hogs, chickens, horses."

[Ellen Shawgo]