Gary Asay is the owner-operator of a swine operation in Osco, Ill., that markets 7,000 pigs annually. Gary runs the 30-year old family operation with his wife, Barbara.
Gary
is actively involved in industry-related organizations. He was president of the Illinois Pork Producers Association in 2006 and since 2001 has served on the organization's Expo, Public Policy, Industry and Youth Education committees. Gary has been a member of the Henry County Pork Producers Association since 1995 and has served as the organization's president, vice president and treasurer. Gary has been a member of the Henry County Farm Bureau for more than 20 years.
Gary
became interested in farming as a result of a 4-H project he began when he was 10 years old. He started with a few pigs as a way to learn and to raise money, but over the years the project grew, and so did his desire to be involved in the pork production industry.
After graduating from high school in Genesco, Ill., Gary attended BlackHawkCollege in Kewanee, Ill., where he received an associates degree in agriculture in 1976.
In 1991, Gary and Barbara were named Outstanding Young Farmers by the Genesco County Jaycees. They have two daughters, Bonnie and Robin. They are members of the Geneseo Presbyterian Church and Gary is a trustee of the Osco fire district.