Hog Farmer Recognized for Leadership in the Industry at Governor’s Conference

Phil Howerton, a hog farmer from Chilhowee, was honored with the Missouri Agriculture Pork Legacy Award at the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture December 16 at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, Missouri.

Phil Howerton is partner of J.D. Howerton and Sons with his brother Jim. The farm, started by Phil’s great-great grandfather, held its first bred Chester White gilt sale in 1929. Currently, he manages a farrow to finish operation with about 1,200 sows producing over 28 pigs per sow per year. His son, Nick, has also joined the operation and manages the finishing side.

“Phil has been a steadfast advocate for the pork industry,” said Don Nikodim, Missouri Pork Association executive vice president. “His leadership and dedication continue to be a great asset to Missouri agriculture.”

Phil has served on the Farm Service Administration Board, the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority Advisory Board. He is a member of the Missouri Pork Association (MPA) and the National Pork Producers Council since 1976, and served as MPA chairman from 2003-2004.

The award is given to a Missouri farmer who exemplifies great leadership in their respective field through innovation, land stewardship, value-added opportunities and/or international successes. In addition to this recognition, Phil has was named a 2011 Missouri Master Farmer by the Missouri Ruralist, Pork All-American, Henry County 2007 Agriculture Person of the Year, and given the MPA Chairman’s Award. He was honored with Agriculture Achievement by the Department of Agriculture in 2012 and recognized as the 1997 Missouri State Fair Farm Family.

Source: MoPork