Family adds livestock to farm

ROSSVILLE, IL – Carl and Jody Clark, third generation farmers in Vermilion County, hosted an Open House for their two new 4,100 head wean to finish hog barns on Thursday.

The Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA), along with the Illinois Livestock Development Group (ILDG), helped coordinate the event, which included free pork chop sandwiches for visitors. Approximately 250 guests attended the event and toured the barns.

Carl’s grandfather set roots in Vermilion County in 1966, and the Clark family has been there ever since. Adding livestock to the farm will give Carl and Jody the opportunity to fully provide for their family of four, and diversify the family farm. They have two young boys and welcome this addition to give them an opportunity to come back and farm in the future. Carl also sees the value of using the manure from the barns directly on their fields, to grow better crops.

The Clarks are production partners with The Equity, of Effingham, IL. Carl’s sister, Dianne, obtained a Veterinarian Technician degree from Parkland College and will be managing the barns. It truly is a family commitment.

[endif]--When asked about the initiative for building the barns, Carl said, “My father gave me the opportunity to come back and farm with him, and then passed it on to me. I want to give my sons the same chance and keep our farm going for generations to come.” ![endif]--