RAYMOND, Ill. (AP) — Hog producers in Illinois have already filed half as many expansion notices with state regulators in 2016 as they did all of last year.

According to the state Department of Agriculture’s website, there were 61 intent-to-construct applications filed so far in 2016. The (Springfield) State Journal-Register reports there were 122 such applications for all of 2015.

Phil Borgic, who has a hog operation near Raymond, says the expansion is being driven by demand from consumers and improved pork prices. He expects to add a facility or two to his operation.

Final regulatory say on new Illinois hog farms is with the state Department of Agriculture. According to the department, there are usually 100 to 120 applications for new and expanded hog operations each year.

 

 

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