Pig Farmers Connect Farm To Fork During October Pork Month

Missouri Director Of Agriculture Highlights Importance Of Missouri’s Pork Industry

COLUMBIA, MISSOURI

   October became known as Pork Month because it marked the time of year when hogs were traditionally marketed. Today, it serves as a celebration to thank pig farmers and share their stories with consumers. On October 6, the Missouri Pork Association (MPA) and Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn joined together to recognize Missouri’s pork industry.

   “If you eat, you have a connection to a farmer every day,” said Don Laut, Jr., a pig farmer from Fredericktown and chairman of the MPA Board of Directors. “October Pork Month is an opportunity to refresh the connection consumers have with farmers. Our mission is to produce safe, nutritious food in a responsible manner for families across the United States and around the world.”

   Almost 15 years ago, pork producers adopted six ethical principles of its We CareSM initiative that has guided the industry’s efforts to maintain a safe, high-quality pork supply. Producers 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 and

   • Ensuring practices to protect public health.

   “The ethical principles define our values and who we are,” said Laut. “Consumers can be confident that the pork they eat was raised using these ethical principles." ∆