Doug Webel gained an interest in pigs years ago from being at the Fairbury Fair.
He went to the University of Illinois for a bachelor’s degree and left 10 years later with a PhD in swine nutrition. The Prairie Central alum lives just north of Indianapolis working for United Animal Health and was at Wednesday’s swine show at the Fairbury Fair as his son was judging.
“It’s great for him to come back here and do that,” said Webel. “This is the first place I ever showed a pig even before I moved to the area with family.”
Webel’s family was originally in the Chicago area where his father worked in the pharmaceutical industry before deciding he wanted to get back into production agriculture. That is when they moved to the Cropsey area on a farrow to finish swine farm.
He has many great memories with both the Fugate and Hankes families during his time in Fairbury growing up.
Webel was fortunate to have some great experiences with FFA and sports while attending Prairie Central High School. He was on a state champion judging team and participated in the national contest.
“Our FFA program meant a lot to me,” Webel recalled.
Many fond memories also come from Webel’s time playing basketball at PC as he was on the 1989 team.
“It taught me a lot about winning and what it takes to succeed both in sports and in life.”
Webel’s son will start at the University of Illinois this week studying beef cattle nutrition and production.
“That’s where my wife and I met and got our degrees so I’m excited,” Webel said.
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