Each year, the Illinois Pork Producers Association recognizes a pork-producing family who has contributed to the long-term success of the industry through leadership and pork promotion on the local and state levels. This year IPPA has named Lehmann Bros. Farms, of Strawn, as the IPPA Family of the Year.

Lehmann Bros. Farms got its start in 1976 and is owned by brothers Art and Ken Lehmann. Today they market 120,000 hogs annually and work with 21 grower partners that span across eight counties in Illinois. The Lehmann brothers also farm 1,500 acres of corn and soybeans in Livingston County.

The Lehmann family history in the pork industry dates back over 60 years. It started with Art and Ken’s parents, George and Alice, raising hogs on pasture and in barn lots.

Today the Lehmann family legacy is recognized as an integral part of agriculture in Livingston County, specifically pork production. Ken and his wife Mary have a daughter Amber, a son Brad (deceased) and one granddaughter, Shelby. Art and his wife Jana have three daughters, Janelle, Jodi and Jennifer, and twelve grandchildren.

Like many good pork producing families, both Art and Ken have given back to the agricultural industry and been involved in the community where they have raised their families. Many different groups have had an opportunity to tour the Lehmann’s farm, including legislators, Congressional aides and numerous elementary and high school classes, to find out more about modern pork production.

Over the years, the Lehmann brothers have strived to adapt to changes and grow their business, while being good stewards of the land. In 2007, Lehmann Bros. Farms was recognized as the Conservation Farm Family by the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Both Lehmann families are dedicated and committed to a life long journey of success in the pork industry. As a close farming family, they not only work together, but deeply and sincerely care about pork production and the community in which they live.

The award was presented to the Lehmann families on stage at the Illinois Pork Expo during the Legislative Reception by their respective home legislators, Senator Jason Barickman and Representative Thomas Bennett.

Source: Illinois Pork Producers Association, who is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.