BUSINESS NEWS
As part of its multi-phase leadership succession plan, Innovative Livestock Services, Inc., (ILS) announced the retirement of Lee Borck from his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors (the Board) effective April 5, 2024. Jerrod Westfahl succeeds Borck as the newly-appointed Executive Chairman of ILS.
Borck founded ILS, a commercial cattle finishing, farming and agribusiness enterprise with operations in Kansas and Nebraska, and served as its Chairman from the company’s founding. Borck continues as a major shareholder, board member, and honorary Chairman Emeritus.
“It’s hard to overstate the impact Lee has had on the beef cattle industry, rural banking, Kansas State University, several communities and countless mentees throughout his career,” says Westfahl. “He was never afraid to take a risk and challenge the norm, and he made us all better for it. On behalf of the Board, I thank him for his visionary leadership and wish him the very best in his retirement.”
Originally from Reno County, Kansas, Westfahl brings an array of business and leadership experience to the role. Early in his career he served as a commercial litigator at Shook, Hardy and Bacon and as CEO of Purple Wave Auction. He then co-founded AgriSync, a maker of digital solutions for farmers and their suppliers, which John Deere Company purchased in 2021. Westfahl joined ILS shortly after, initially leading its venture investment program and then serving as Chief Strategy Officer. He will work alongside an experienced ILS team that includes CEO Bronson Smith and President Jerry Kuckelman.
“I’m honored to succeed a legend like Lee. He has positioned ILS to be successful for decades to come, and I couldn’t be more positive about our future,” says Westfahl. “ILS is known for meeting customer needs, helping our communities thrive, and innovating our way forward. Our people are committed to executional excellence and are proud to produce high-quality protein and crops as efficiently as anybody in agriculture. Helping lead ILS in its next chapters is a special opportunity I’m thrilled to take on.”