Jacob Mark DeDecker Ph.D. Student Department of Animal Sciences University of Illinois 210 Animal Sciences Lab MC - 630 1207 West Gregory Drive Urbana, IL 61801 Phone: (217) 244-3147 E-mail:  dedecker@uiuc.edu

Jacob was raised in Cambridge, IL on their family farm consisting of corn, soybeans, oats and a 600 sow farrow to finish operation. He remains involved in 4-H, FFA, Farm Bureau and the Illinois Pork Producer’s Association where he is a member of the Youth and Education Committee. Jacob received his Associate in Science degree in 1998 at Black Hawk East College. Focusing on Animal Sciences, he furthered his education at the University of Illinois earning a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in 2000  and 2002, respectively, under the guidance of Dr. Mike Ellis. Jacob’s thesis work evaluated management strategies within wean-to-finish systems, with emphasis on group size/floor space allowances and pig removal strategies at market. Jacob is now pursuing a Ph.D. under Dr. Mike Ellis guidance and continues to evaluate management approaches effecting pig performance and system profitability.