LINCOLN — October may be the month of candy, costumes, and trick-or-treating, but it is also the month of pork. 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 pork producers and share their stories with consumers.
“If you eat, you have a connection to a farmer every day,” said Darin Uhlir, President of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association. “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.”
The Nebraska pork industry represents a significant value-added activity in the agricultural economy and a major contributor to the overall Nebraska economy. The percentage of growth in the total hog numbers in Nebraska, is exceeding the national average. Over 14,000 Nebraska jobs are involved in various aspects of the industry. Based on available numbers, an estimated $772 million of personal income and $1.14 billion of gross state product above and beyond the farm level are supported by the hog industry.
Nebraska’s pork producers understand the important role their businesses play in the lives of employees, customers and the communities in which we live and work. Being a good neighbor and a good businessperson requires us to do what is right—maintain standards, nurture sustainability, help others and, of course, acknowledge community concerns and address them in an honest and sincere manner.
Nebraska’s well-managed operations, plentiful feed resources, good water supply and central location for product distribution, promises a bright outlook for current and future pig farmers.
— Darin Uhlir, President
Nebraska Pork Producers Association
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