Northwest Iowa — October is Pork Month in the United States.
David Struthers, president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association says that if you eat, you have a connection to a farmer every day. He says that October — Pork Month — is an opportunity to refresh the connection consumers have with farmers. He says the mission of farmers is to produce safe, nutritious food in a responsible manner for families across the United States and around the world.
We caught up with Lyon County Pork Producers President, Mike Ver Steeg in his combine, and he tells us that pork is a good choice.
October is a busy month with most farmers being in the thick of harvest. Ver Steeg says October became known as Pork Month because it marked the time of year when hogs were traditionally marketed.
He says that today, it serves as a celebration to thank pig farmers and share their stories with consumers. Ver Steeg says pork is very versatile.
That web site again is porkbeinspired.com Ver Steeg says that pork producers are committed to the ethical raising of pigs.
More information from the Iowa Pork Producers Association:
In 2008, pork producers adopted six We CareSM ethical principles at the National Pork Industry Forum. The pork industry follows the six guiding ethical principles of the We Care initiative to maintain a safe, high-quality pork supply. Pig farmers are committed to:
- Producing safe food
- Safeguarding natural resources in all industry practices
- Providing a work environment that is safe and consistent with the industry’s other ethical principles
- Contributing to a better quality of life in communities
- Protecting and promoting animal well-being
- Ensuring practices to protect public health
“The ethical principles define our values and who we are,” said Struthers. “Consumers can be confident that the pork they eat was raised using these ethical principles.”
