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IPPA tree buffer and beautification grants now available

Pig farmers in Illinois have the opportunity to take part in another round of tree buffer grants. The Illinois Pork Producers Association is offering this incentive for farmers to implement fresh landscaping on their pig farms. To date, Illinois pig farmers have already planted over 4,700 trees with this program. 

"Tree buffers are just one of the current best management practices that pig farmers are embracing to benefit the environment. We are proud to offer these grant opportunities to progressive pig farmers who understand the importance of stewardship for our future generations," says Jennifer Tirey, executive director of IPPA.

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How AI Is Changing Family Hog Farms | Duane Stateler on Technology & the Future of Pork Production

Video: How AI Is Changing Family Hog Farms | Duane Stateler on Technology & the Future of Pork Production

Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape pork production, and longtime pork producer Duane Stateler believes the industry is only getting started.

Recorded at World Pork Expo 2026, Stateler shares how technology has already transformed modern hog farming—from automated barn climate control and feed monitoring to real-time alerts—and explains why AI will play an even bigger role in improving animal care, efficiency, and decision-making.

As a fifth-generation hog farmer, he also discusses the importance of family farms, succession planning, labor, and how technology is helping today's producers care for more animals while maintaining high welfare standards.

In this interview:

The future of AI in pork production

How smart barns improve pig care

Feed bin monitoring and automation

Labor challenges and family farming

Why technology is shaping the next generation of producers