October is National Pork Month. This year, we're celebrating with funny pig/pork product memes. However, we also understand that raising hogs and producing pork is serious business that involves so many people.
This month, and every month, we appreciate the hard work of pork producers! Check out some pork facts provided by the National Pork Producers Council.
Pork industry facts:
The pork industry supports more than half a million jobs.
There are more than 60,000 pork producers in the U.S.
Annually, more than 115 million hogs are marketed, providing a gross income of more than $20 billion.
In 2020, more than 40.5 billion pounds of pork were produced in the U.S.
There are 2.2 million metric tons of pork and pork-related products exported annually.
Pork farmers contribute only about 1/3 of 1 percent of U.S. Greenhouse Gas emissions.
Pork is the world's most consumed meat.
Iowa is the top pork-producing state, at 23.8 million hogs. Minnesota ranks second in production, with 9 million.
Pig facts:
The pig was one of the first animals to be domesticated, over 6,000 years ago.
A pig can run one mile in seven minutes.
Pigs can drink up to 14 gallons of water a day.
Insulin, and more than 40 other medicines, are made from pigs.
Pig heart valves can be used to replace human heart valves.
Baby pigs weigh around 3.5 pounds, and their weight will double in seven days.
Full-grown pigs weigh a few hundred pounds - males can grow to more than 500 pounds. Females weigh between 300 and 500 pounds.
Pork products:
Ham is the number one sandwich eaten in U.S. households.
Pork is now 75 percent leaner than in the 1950s.
The average American consumes about 50.8 pounds of pork per year.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
Not much to add, but to simply say celebrate National Pork Month with some great BBQ, or put a little extra bacon on for breakfast. Whatever you do, enjoy pork and celebrate! Perhaps you have some pork producers in your area. Reach out to them and recognize their contribution to agriculture and the local economy. Maybe work with your local or state pork organization to explore more ways to celebrate pork month!
