North Greene graduate, Jeremy Hazelwonder, spoke to the class today about his job with The Maschhoffs and his position of Transport Operations Manager. He talked about his path to where he is now after a 20 year career with the Air Force in Security Forces. Jeremy said his job with The Maschhoffs happened by chance as he never imagined he’d be working for a pork producer, even with his farming background.

The Maschhoffs, one of the largest family-owned pork producers in the United States, has a deep commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of their customers, employees, partners, communities, and the world at large.

Founded in 1851 in southern Illinois, The Maschhoffs has upheld its family culture and grown significantly over the years. It all began with the Maschhoff family farm in the late 1930s when Ben Maschhoff rejuvenated the land, and in 1956, Wayne Maschhoff returned to the farm after a career in the U.S. Air Force. Wayne and Ben managed a mixed-crop/livestock enterprise, and in 1961, they acquired a 700-head finishing barn, shifting the family’s pig-raising practices.

Dave and Ken, Wayne and Marlene’s sons, joined the family business in the late 1970s, choosing to focus on hog production. They expanded the sow herd from 150 to 700 in 1979 and continued to grow throughout the 1980s. In 1996, they collaborated with family farmers to raise wean pigs, further expanding the business. Today, The Maschhoffs operates with more than 130,000 sows across five states.

Thank you to Jeremy for his time today!