What does it take to build a successful pork production business, develop strong leaders, and create a workplace culture that lasts for generations?

In this episode of Pork Industry News, host Rachel Fishback welcomes Phil Borgic of Borgic Farms in Illinois for an insightful conversation about leadership in agriculture, employee development, pork production, farm management, and the importance of investing in people.

Phil Borgic began his career in agriculture in 1978 and has spent nearly five decades helping grow Borgic Farms into a successful pork production operation that works with more than 55 family contract growers throughout Illinois. His leadership and involvement in the pork industry extend beyond the farm, including service with the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and other agricultural organizations.

Throughout this interview, Phil shares the leadership principles, business lessons, and experiences that have shaped Borgic Farms and its commitment to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.

The Borgic Way: Building a Culture of Leadership

At the heart of Borgic Farms are six core values known as "The Borgic Way":

Family

Strong Work Ethic

Vision

Integrity & Respect

Communication

Learn. Teach. Grow.

Phil explains how these values influence daily operations, employee relationships, teamwork, and long-term business decisions. He also discusses why successful leadership isn't simply about managing employees, but providing people with the tools, training, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Investing in the Next Generation of Pork Industry Leaders

As the pork industry faces challenges in workforce development, employee retention, and agricultural leadership, Borgic Farms is taking an active approach to developing talent from within.

Phil discusses the importance of leadership training programs, including opportunities through Ag Leadership Partners, Spanish-language leadership education, and internal employee development initiatives designed to prepare team members for management positions.

Learning From Pork Producers Around the World

The conversation also takes a global perspective as Phil shares observations from his recent visits to pig farms in the Netherlands and Germany. He discusses differences in European and U.S. pork production, including hog barn design, animal welfare requirements, environmental technology, production costs, and the challenges of maintaining profitability.

In This Interview, You'll Learn About:

🐷 The history and growth of Borgic Farms in Illinois

🐷 Leadership lessons from nearly 50 years in pork production

🐷 The importance of company culture and core values in agriculture

🐷 Employee training, workforce development, and succession planning

🐷 Developing farm managers and leaders from within an organization

🐷 Why communication, teamwork, and servant leadership matter

🐷 The value of attending pork industry conferences, trade shows, and educational events

🐷 Differences between European and American pig farming practices

🐷 Lessons learned from challenges, mistakes, and decades of agricultural business management

Whether you're a pork producer, hog farm manager, agricultural business owner, livestock employee, veterinarian, or aspiring leader in the swine industry, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on building stronger teams, developing people, and creating a sustainable future for agriculture.

About Pork Industry News

Pork Industry News is an independent, video-first agricultural news platform hosted by Rachel Fishback, delivering interviews, industry news, producer stories, educational resources, and updates from across the U.S. pork industry.

From hog barn management and swine health to agricultural leadership, pork industry technology, business development, and the people behind America's pork production, Pork Industry News connects producers and agricultural professionals with information that matters.

🌐 Visit Pork Industry News: https://porkindustrynews.com

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