Illinois Pork Producers Association Recognizes 2024 Family of the Year

By Andi Anderson

The Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) has bestowed the 2024 Family of the Year honor upon the Burgener family of Moweaqua, Illinois, celebrating their longstanding commitment and leadership within the pork industry. The award, presented at the Illinois Pork Expo, acknowledges the family's pivotal role in shaping the industry at local and state levels. 

In 1968, Charles and Carole Burgener laid the foundation for their farming legacy by moving to a Moweaqua farm owned by Carole's grandparents. Initially cultivating 500 acres of corn, soybeans, cattle, and hogs, they transitioned to raising their own hogs in 1976 after a health scare in their pig herd. The family continued to expand, constructing various barns to accommodate their growing operation. 

The Burgener family, comprising four sons – Brad, Bret, Chad, and Chris – all returned to the farm after completing their education. Their collective efforts led to the farm's significant growth, with the sow production doubling and the operation increasing from 400 to 600 sows. 

Despite the passing of Charles in 1999, the Burgener family's dedication to farming continued. In 2015, they sold all cattle, concentrating solely on farming and raising hogs. Presently, Burgener Pork Inc. manages 800 sows at their farrow-to-finish operation, overseeing 3,000 acres of farmland. 

Each Burgener brother plays a unique role in the farm's operations. Brad handles planting, harvesting, and general maintenance, Bret manages wean-to-finish barns and construction projects, Chad oversees equipment maintenance and cultivation, while Chris manages the sow operation. 

The family extends beyond the core members, with spouses and the younger generation actively contributing to the farm's success. Notably, Kelsey, Brad's daughter, runs a full-time photography business in addition to her farm responsibilities. Other family members, including Bret's son Brock and son-in-law Nolan Boyer, contribute to various aspects of the farm operation. 

The Burgener family is actively involved in their community, belonging to the First Christian Church in Moweaqua and participating in the Shelby County Pork Producers. Their generosity extends to various charitable activities, including donations to community events, raffles, benefits, and local pregnancy crisis centers. 

The IPPA Family of the Year award recognizes not only the Burgener family's achievements in the pork industry but also their dedication to fostering a sense of community and contributing to the well-being of those around them. 

Photo Credit: illinois-pork-producers-association