Building a Brighter Future on the Farm: Video Just Released

10-01-2013 in Hogs

Video Shows Iowa’s hog industry has a significant impact on the economy

October is National Pork Month, an opportunity to recognize pork producers’ hard work and dedication to raising safe, nutritious pork while protecting and promoting animal well-being, safeguarding natural resources and working to better the quality of life in their community.

Iowa leads the nation in pork production and has done so since the 1880’s.  Iowa is home to approximately 30 million hogs, which accounts for twenty-five percent of the nation’s pork supply.  Iowa’s swine industry employs more than 39,000 people who are directly responsible for raising and caring for hogs in Iowa. The state’s pork industry generates nearly $950 million in household income for pork producers and production alone contributes nearly $5 billion to the state’s economy.

“Pork production has a significant economic impact on the state of Iowa and has provided a way for many young people to return to the family farm,” says Brian Waddingham, executive director of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. “Today’s pork producers have respect for the land, pride in their work, and a commitment to their family and community.”

As young people return to rural Iowa and the family farm, they are building a bright future for not only their family, but also their local community.  Although it typically takes three months to construct a new hog building, you can see it done here in sixty seconds.

In addition to having a significant impact on Iowa’s economy, farmers who raise hogs today are also having a positive impact on Iowa’s natural resources. Safeguarding the environment comes naturally to Iowa’s pork producers because they understand their inherent responsibility to preserve the land for future generations.

Hog farmers have made great improvements in genetics, feeding and management practices, resulting in producing more pork while using fewer natural resources.  In the last 50 years, the amount of water required to produce one pound of pork has decreased forty-one percent and land use has been reduced seventy-eight percent for every 1,000 pounds of pork produced.  This has led to a thirty-five percent reduction in the carbon footprint to produce a pound of pork today.  To learn more click here.

Show your support for Iowa’s hog farmers and enjoy some great tasting pork for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  For more information about pork, visit www.iowapork.org.

Recommended News