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.
![](../images/hogfarm/portrait%20copy.jpg)
"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."
|
![](../images/ads/graue/graue_car_ad.jpg)
Wilbur's
great-grandfather, Charles Paulus, bought the farm in 1867, and it
passed down to his son Henry and grandson Carl, Wilbur's dad.
That
means six generations of Pauluses have toiled on the same farm,
which has earned Centennial Farm status.
Last
week's honor wasn't the first for the Pauluses: Wilbur also has
received the Superior Pork Producer Award, the Prairie Farmer Master
Farmer Award, and the IPPA Service Award.
According
to an IPPA brochure, the Pauluses have been leaders in the pork
industry for just about as long, with family members having served
in leadership positions at all levels.
Wilbur
was president of the Logan County Swine Herd Improvement Association
and later served as an IPPA board member as a vice president and
president of IPPA. He also was active at the national level, serving
on the National Livestock and Meat Board. Alice has been involved in
the Illinois Porkettes, serving as vice president and president.
Randy
and Kent have both been president of the Logan County Pork Producers
and Kent is currently a District 7 IPPA board member and vice-chair
of the 2000 Pork Expo.
The
family has spent many hours promoting "the other white
meat," including serving pork chops at local festivals, the
county fair and the University of Illinois football press box. They
also have donated pork to booster clubs, benefits and fundraisers.
Through
Lynn Paulus' job at McDonald's, she was able to help organize a
press conference with Gov. George Ryan, McDonald's and IPPA last
year that focused on the use of pork products at their restaurants.
The
Pauluses also are active in St. John's United Church of Christ in
Lincoln and have been involved in numerous Farm Bureau activities.
[Ellen
Shawgo]
|