Appell Inducted Into NPPC Hall of Fame

KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 1, 2018 – Jill Appell, a pork producer from Altona, Ill., today was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the National Pork Producers Council for her leadership of and dedication to the U.S. pork industry at NPPC’s annual business meeting – the National Pork Industry Forum – held here.

Appell, who grew up near Chicago, early on developed an interest in agriculture. Her career in the pork industry began when she joined the Knox County (Ill.) Pork Producers Association, which eventually led to her role as president of the Illinois Pork Producers Association.

Shortly after NPPC was formally separated from the National Pork Board, Appell joined the NPPC board and was appointed vice president of the organization in 2005. She served as president from March 2007 to March 2008. During her tenure, the organization successfully fought for establishment of several free trade agreements and addressed issues related to the environment and animal welfare.

Prior to becoming president of NPPC, Appell was appointed as Director of Rural Development for Illinois. She has continued her service to the pork industry through her role as vice chair on the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiation for the U.S. Trade Representative and has served on the Illinois Attorney General’s Advisory Committee and the Illinois Governor’s Advisory Committee.

Appell and her husband Paul originally had a farrow-to-finish operation, then transitioned to a weaner operation. While they no longer have pigs, they still raise 1,100 acres of corn and soybeans on their family centennial farm in Knox County. She has dedicated herself as a volunteer in her community and is involved with the Illinois State Technical Committee and U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency.

“As president of NPPC, Jill served as a tremendous leader to the organization, with a commitment fueled by her steadfast dedication to the U.S. pork industry,” said NPPC President Ken Maschhoff, a pork producer from Carlyle, Ill. “For her exceptional ability to serve the interests of America’s pork producers through her leadership and continued service in advocating for our industry, we are extremely pleased to induct Jill into the NPPC Hall of Fame.”

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NPPC is the global voice for the U.S. pork industry, protecting the livelihoods of America’s 60,000 pork producers, who abide by ethical principles in caring for their animals, in protecting the environment and public health and in providing safe, wholesome, nutritious pork products to consumers worldwide. For more information, visit www.nppc.org.