On behalf of the Illinois Pork Producers Association, Josh Matli of Raymond has been presented with the inaugural "Animal Caregiver" award at the 2020 Illinois Pork Expo and Annual Meeting.

Josh and wife, Jennifer, currently live in rural Raymond with their two daughters JoBeth and Jenna.

Matli is a sow farm manager for Borgic Farms in Nokomis. This farm has 10,000 sows that produce piglets for their grower partners. He has been with the Borgic team for 17 years.

His career began as a high school student through the work study program. He then obtained an associate degree in agriculture from Lincoln Land Community College before returning to the farm fulltime.

For the past 12 years, Matli has been dedicated to his role as farm manager. He oversees 32 full-time employees plus five part-time student team members. He also manages an off-site gilt developer unit as well as their truck wash.

"Josh comes to the farm every day prepared to do the best he can for his girls (sows) and their pigs," says Phil Borgic, Borgic Farms. "His passion for livestock and people is abundant, and we are proud to have him on our team."

During a recent expansion from 7,200 to 10,000 sows, Matli was able to keep his team focused and maintain goals. He has the ideal people skills and personality to work with a large team daily. So much, that his passion has instilled aspirations in others to become farm managers, too.

"It is always a pleasure to host farm tours with Josh," says Jenny Jackson, IPPA director of communications. "He is exceptionally prepared, yet laidback and welcoming. Our tours are always a success and I credit Josh for his hospitality and smooth-ran farm."

Borgic Farms has graciously opened their doors for group tours, such as the local CEO student organization, legislators and bloggers. They value community involvement and enjoy sharing their passion for pigs and people.

This recognition was created to honor those who exhibit outstanding work ethic in the barn and exceptional care to their animals. Boehringer Ingelheim sponsored this recognition.

Source: Illinois Pork Producers Association, which 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.