October marks National Pork Month, a special celebration that began in 1962 when the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s Board of Directors passed a resolution declaring October as Iowa Pork Month. Today state pork associations still play a key role in promoting pork, both now and throughout the year.

Currently, South Dakota is home to around 900 hog farms. All South Dakota hog producers share a passion for their livelihoods and in producing Safe, Affordable and Nutritious pork for people of all ages to enjoy.

Pork Producers have a solid foundation and We Care about you and your family. Every day the efforts of producers and all those associated with pork production on farms across America demonstrate care and concern for how pork is produces. The recent adoption of a new statement of ethical principles calls attention to producers’ responsibilities to uphold the highest principles and maintain the public’s trust. By affirming these principles, America’s pork producers acknowledge their commitment to:

• Produce safe food
• Protect and promote animal well-being
• Ensure practices to protect public health
• Safeguard natural resources in all of their practices
• Provide a work environment that is safe
• Contribute to a better quality of life in their communities

Pork goodness represents the commitment pork producers have for their family farm and their legacy. Pork Producers know that the future depends on what they do today, so they are devoted to compassionate animal care and sound environmental stewardship, as well as producing a wholesome product.

South Dakota’s 339,000 sows raise over 3.2 million hogs per year.  South Dakota’s pork industry contributes $520 million annually to the state’s economy and provides nearly 7,900 jobs.  South Dakota is ranked #11 in pork production and ranks #1 in pigs per sow. South Dakota hogs consume 52 million bushels of Corn and 315,000 tons of Soybean Meal.

Don’t be afraid to cook with a new cut, you just might discover your new favorite meal and you’ll finally have something new to make! We encourage you to look for a few new pork recipes visit www.porkbeinspired.com to help celebrate this special month with us.

There are so many things to know about both pigs and pork.  Perhaps some of these little known facts will surprise you! 

Did you know…
The Pork® Be inspiredsm  brand campaign was launched this year to reach more than 82 million Americans who already cook, eat and love pork.

Did you know…
Pork tenderloin is just as lean as a skinless chicken breast, and it contains slightly fewer calories than the same size serving of a skinless chicken breast.

Did you know…
When hot dogs were first introduced at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, they were called “red hots.” These red hots were served with white gloves, instead of a bun, to keep fingers cool while eating.

Did you know…
For juicy and tender pork, cook the meat until the internal temperature reaches 145ºF, let it rest for three minutes and it is ready to serve.

Did you know…
Pigs first came to the American mainland in 1539, brought by Spanish Explorer Hernando de Soto.

Did you know…
China, not America, is the No. 1 producer and consumer of fresh pork in the world.

Did you know…
The longest sausage in the world is recorded at 6,643-foot-long (or 2,025-meter).  Turija holds the Guinness Book World Record for longest sausage, and each year, the town breaks the record by a centimeter, according to Balkaninsight.com.

Did you know…
During colonial times, people living on Manhattan Island had to build a wall to keep out wild pigs. This area is known today as Wall Street.

Did you know…
On average, the six most common cuts of pork are 16 percent leaner than 20 years ago, and saturated fat has dropped 27 percent.

Please visit South Dakota Pork’s website to learn more about pork producers and the pork industry, plus get nutrition tips and more delicious pork recipes. Follow us on Facebook at South Dakota Pork Producers Council and on Twitter @SDPorkmom.