October 1st kicks off National Pork Month. You might be looking at my headline and wondering how the pork industry might be considered a city. Well, it isn?t a city. However, the amount of economic income that the pork industry generates would put it number three on the list of Iowa cities. That is just some of the information garnered in an economic study commissioned by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA).
Audio: Full interview with Pat McGonegle of IPPA
Iowa leads the United States in pork production, and the numbers in the economic study show what impact it has on the Iowa economy. Pat McGonegle is with the IPPA, and he runs down an overview of the study.
Not only does the pork industry impact the lives of those working in its many facets, it generates revenue for Iowa corn and soybeans as well. Iowa hogs consume about three million acres of Iowa corn and a little more than two million acres of soybeans.
While much of the impact of the pork industry is felt in the rural economies of the state, it is no surprise that it influences the urban economies as well.
McGonegle says that during October Pork Month, consumers will be able to take advantage of special pricing on pork cuts at their local grocery stores. It is the best way to promote the industry and help move products raised on Iowa farms.
You can learn more about the pork industry in Iowa by visiting the IPPA website.
