Heun Family Hog Farm

The Heun family, of Illinois, are hog farmers for Niman Ranch.

How many generations in your family are farmers?

Two.

How many family members are involved in your farm?

Shari, Steve, Andy, and Emma Heun.

How many hogs do you have?

500

What crops are produced on your farm?

Corn, soybeans, and hay.

Do you raise other animals?

Cattle and chickens.

What’s the history of your family’s farming operation?

The farm was bought by my great-grandfather in 1917 and has been run by the family since then. It has seen the advancement of agriculture, from horse-driven equipment to modern tractors. There has always been livestock raised on the farm. We still have pigs in barns where my grandparents kept the horses and milked their cows. Our farm supports three families.

What sustainable farming practices are a part of your farm?

We maintain grass waterways, manage wooded plots on the farm and have land in conservation reserve along creeks and streams to protect water quality.

How long have you sold hogs to Niman Ranch?

Since 2001.