The Iowa Pork Industry

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Iowa Pork Facts In 2007, Iowa had 8,500 hog farms At any one time, there are approximately 16 million hogs being raised in Iowa. Each year, around 25 million hogs are raised in Iowa. Each year, around 60 million hogs are raised in the U.S. Iowa pork producers raise 25% of the hogs raised in the U.S., making our state #1 in pork production. There are approximately five hogs for every one person in Iowa. Source: Iowa Agriculture Statistics Service  www.nass.usda.gov/ia/ The Iowa pork industry: Creates more than 63,000 jobs for fellow Iowans Contributes more than $2 billion in annual payroll Contributes $12 billion annually in economic impact to the state of Iowa. Hogs consume 27% of Iowa's corn and 30% of Iowa's soybeans, or 492 million bushels of corn and 145 million bushels of soybeans. Source: Iowa State University, Department of Economics A look at Iowa's pork producers  We are Iowa's pork producers   Iowa's pork producers come in all shapes and sizes. From multi-generational families to young producers just starting out, it's no secret that Iowa has thousands of hardworking people dedicated to raising hogs for a living. Iowa is well suited for pork production with its abundant feed supply, production technology and committed producers who practice the best in animal care.  Pork producers...we care about our animals   Producers' livelihoods depend on the well-being of their livestock. New technologies are constantly providing pork producers with opportunities for improving overall health and comfort of their pigs. By housing their pigs in environmentally controlled barns, pork producers are able to keep their pigs warmed with heating systems during Iowa's frigid winters and cooled with fans and misters in hot, humid summers.  Pork producers...we care about our land   Nutrients found in manure are vital to corn and soybean plants, and have been used for decades as a natural fertilizer for Iowa's cropland. By spreading manure onto neighboring fields, producers add value to that cropland and reduce the dependence on imported commercial fertilizers.  Pork producers...we care about our environment   Pork producers develop extensive nutrient management plans to determine the precise amount of nutrients needed by the soil, drastically reducing the risk of over application and potential run-off. By investing nearly $300,000 in environmental research projects at Iowa State University in just the last few years, producers have proven their commitment to finding science based solutions to improve their operations.  Pork producers...we care about our neighbors   Pork producers are proactive and committed to being good neighbors by using a variety of technologies to reduce odors. From improved manure storage designs, pit additives and changing swine diets to planting trees to serve as buffers, producers are doing their part to be good friends, good neighbors and good stewards of the land.  Pork producers...we care about our communities   Pork producers have a goal of participating in, and contributing to, programs that make their communities a better place to live. Whether it's a fundraiser for a new library, awarding college scholarships to area youth or grilling lunch for local schools, pork producers can be found pitching in and helping out. Pork production adds value to the local economy by providing local jobs. Whether it's the veterinarian, truck driver, feed supplier, equipment manufacturer or meat manager, a strong pork industry means jobs for Iowans.  Pork producers...we care about our product   Producers have made improvements and changes in genetics, feeding and management practices, resulting in pork that is 31% lower in fat than 20 years ago. Through participation in the Pork Quality Assurance Program, Iowa's producers are proactive in addressing pork quality issues and improving food safety.  Pork producers...we are good for Iowa   Hogs are the single largest consumers of Iowa's corn and soybeans, eating almost one-third of Iowa's grain production. The Iowa pork industry has an annual economic impact of nearly $12 billion on the Iowa economy -- approximately 5% of the state's total economic output. Pork production generates 86,000 jobs for Iowans and provides nearly $3 billion each year in payroll income. Return to top of page | Return to Newsroom