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 Iowa is the nation's number
one pork producing state, responsible for almost 25 percent of
total U.S. pork production. With its wonderful environment and
availability of plentiful corn and soybeans for feed, Iowa's
pork producers maximize quality and produce the type of meat
in demand by both domestic and overseas buyers.
It isn't just environmental factors that are
responsible for the top quality pork, however. Iowa's 10,000
pork producers go to great lengths to raise the animals that
result in the world's finest pork products.
 Research is a big part of
Iowa's effective pork production. With the help of researchers
at Iowa State University and the university's Meat Export Research
Center, for instance, the Iowa pork industry keeps abreast of
new products and processing technologies, export-related technology,
and market and economic studies.
 The
Center also is a resource base for other important information
that helps assure prompt and careful attention to export needs.
Other research facilities and experimental farms help further
provide the technology to create and maintain the high quality
Iowa pork that is so popular worldwide.
 Though it's the largest in the nation,
Iowa's pork industry is actually made up of many smaller family
farms and operations. This assures that buyers can obtain individual
attention and prompt service, and acquire the kinds of products
that will excite their customers and fit their own marketing
needs.
Assuring Pork Quality
U. S. government inspection for all
meat exports has been mandatory for almost a century. The strict
FSIS Meat Inspection Program of the U. S. Department of Agriculture
assures that only healthy animal products reach consumers around
the world. This same inspection program also guarantees that
facilities and equipment meet all sanitation standards at various
stages of processing.
Pork producers add to the requirements of
the government with strict industry-sponsored programs. The Pork
Quality Assurance (PQA) program was introduced by pork producers
in 1989 to promoteand assure wholesome and healthy animals and
environmental practices at all points during the raising of pork
animals. Producers in operations of all sizes are involved in
the program to improve herd health and to take pride in producing
"quality assured" pork. Increasingly, packers and processors
in Iowa now require that their sources of animals be PQA certified.
 The Finest Quality
Pork's reputation worldwide as lean,
succulent meat has increased dramatically over the past several
years, thanks in part to efforts of Iowa pork producers, researchers
and processors. Without sacrificing flavor or juiciness, producers
have developed production methods that increase lean meat and
reduce fat. This effort has resulted in a product that's low
in fat and waste, but high in nutrition and taste.
 Iowa's independent farmers,
who market more than 21 million hogs a year, raise a variety
of outstanding hog breeds in Iowa. Through superior genetics
and selective breeding, Iowa's animal herds have become the envy
of pork producers everywhere. And importantly, the variety of
proven Iowa hog breeds means that there are just the right pork
products to meet the differing demands and tastes among export
market consumers.
Worldwide Demand
An increasing amount of Iowa pork
has been exported to an increasing number of export markets in
recent years, and with good reason. Regardless of breed, Iowa
hogs are recognized as being the best in America. And that translates
into a high demand for Iowa pork products among international
customers.
 Today,
a new U. S. Pork symbol identifies quality pork raised by America's
pork producers. It is the hallmark of the world's finest pork
in terms of safety, wholesomeness, consistent quality and availability.
Universally, those who taste Iowa pork agree
on its quality. Lean, tasty and wholesome, Iowa pork has become
the standard for excellence in pork products worldwide!
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