Leadership, policy, and the future of pork production take center stage in this Pork Industry News interview with Joshua Maschhoff, Director of Production & Flow at The Maschhoffs and a sixth-generation pork producer from Clinton County, Illinois.

Hosted by Rachel Fishback, Josh and Rachel talk about the Illinois Swine Mixer—a reimagined industry event on February 17, 2026, bringing pork producers, veterinarians, vendors, and policymakers together without the traditional trade show model.

Josh explains why the mixer matters, how it supports relationship-building across the pork supply chain, and how it strengthens leadership development for the next generation of pig farmers.

You’ll hear why the event is being hosted at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, how producers can engage directly with legislators, and how Illinois pork is aligning with national priorities like disease management, Prop 12 solutions, and the Farm Bill.

This conversation also highlights the role of the Illinois Pork Producers Association, collaboration with the National Pork Board, and advocacy efforts led by the National Pork Producers Council. Featured speakers for the event include G. T. Thompson, along with national pork industry leaders shaping policy and markets.

Josh also shares what excites him about pork in 2026 and 2027—from consumer trends and global demand to the momentum behind the The Pork Checkoff Taste What Pork Can Do® campaign—and reflects on the importance of family history, generational farming, and preserving agriculture for the future.

Whether you’re a pork producer, ag professional, foodservice partner, or someone who cares about the future of U.S. agriculture, this episode offers real insight into how leadership events like the Illinois Swine Mixer help move the pork industry forward.

#pigfarmers #PorkIndustryNews #IllinoisPork #SwineIndustry #PorkProducers #PigFarming #AgLeadership #PorkPolicy #FarmBill #TasteWhatPorkCanDo #LivestockIndustry #AgricultureNews #PorkAdvocacy #FutureOfFarming #AgNetworking #FamilyFarms