Northwest Iowa — October is Pork Month in the United States.
Pork producers say that October — Pork Month — is an opportunity to refresh the connection consumers have with farmers. They say 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 Sioux County Pork Producers President, Tim Schmidt in his combine, and he says October is a busy month with most farmers being in the thick of harvest. He says October became known as Pork Month because it marked the time of year when hogs were traditionally marketed. But now that pork is raised, butchered, and marketed year-round, today, it serves as a celebration to thank hog farmers and share their stories with consumers. Schmidt says pork is very versatile.
Schmidt says that while margins are a little slimmer right now, pork producers should keep the faith and remain committed to the ethical raising of pigs.
He says that the Pork Checkoff helps support the marketing of pork to consumers.
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
More information can be found at:
pork.org
porkbeinspired.com
