October Proclaimed Pork Month In Missouri
Director of ag encourages all to recognize Missouri producers’ commitment to ag.
JEFFERSON CITY, MO.
Missouri farmers are the reason to celebrate. That was the message shared as many in Missouri agriculture gathered for an early kick off to Pork Month this morning at the Missouri Department of Agriculture in Jefferson City. Missouri’s Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler was joined by the Missouri Pork Association to recognize the farmers and farm families that produce over 5 million hogs annually. During the ceremony, Dr. Hagler asked all Missourians to thank those men and women for their commitment to Missouri agriculture.
“Agriculture is our state’s number one industry because of the hard work and dedication of Missouri’s farmers and farm families,” said Don Nikodim, executive vice president of the Missouri Pork Association. “From implementing best practices and embracing new technology on the farm to serving as community and industry leaders, our producers are making a difference in Missouri and throughout the world.”
Missouri’s pork industry ranks 7th in overall production and 3rd in exports in the nation. The state’s pork producers contribute almost $1 billion to the economy each year. Missouri pork production and related industries employs over 30,000 Missourians, according to the most recent agriculture census.
Dr. Hagler recognized the Missouri Pork Association board, youth ambassadors and staff for their leadership and for their member’s strong commitment to Missouri’s agriculture industry. Director Hagler presented Bob North, Missouri Pork Association Board Chairman, with Governor Nixon’s official proclamation designating October Pork Month in Missouri.
“Our support of research at both the state and national level has allowed Missouri producers to continue to raise more pork on a shrinking number of acres,” said Mr. North, a pork producer from Lebanon. “Today’s production practices allow Missouri hog farmers to be the most productive, efficient and environmentally friendly they’ve ever been and still produce high quality, affordable pork to feed the growing population.”
Pork Month is celebrated nationwide and in Missouri throughout the month of October each year. To learn more, contact the Missouri Pork Association at pork@mopork.com.∆