Monday, December 15, 2014

2015 Charles Eastin Outstanding Service Award

To recognize the contributions of the hundreds of volunteers and leaders in the agriculture, food and fiber communities who are dedicated to increasing public awareness of agriculture’s vital role in our society, the Charles Eastin Outstanding Service Award will be presented to an outstanding individual who has contributed as an advocate for communications between farm and city.
• The nominee can be any person over 21 years of age.
• Current members of the Agriculture Council of America Board of Directors are not eligible.
• The person may be nominated by anyone active in agriculture.
• The completed application should be forwarded to the the Agriculture Council of America via email at info@agday.org or submitted online at www.agday.org by February 15, 2015.
• A three-member committee, including at least one member of the ACA Board of Directors will judge the applications and select the recipient.
• The award will be presented at the National Ag Day Luncheon in Washington, DC on March 18, 2015.
• The winner will be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses to attend the annual Farm-City event to receive the award including coach airfare or mileage for reasonable driving distance, 2 nights hotel room and a $50 per diem for meals and other expenses.
The Charles Eastin Outstanding Service Award is named in honor of Charles “Charlie” Eastin, DVM, who passed away at the age of 86 on January 28, 2011. Dr. Eastin played an important role as a board member of the National Farm-City Council for many years. He served as the 35th Chairman of the NFCC from 1992-1994 and through the years, has chaired and served on many committees. Through his efforts, Lexington, Kentucky hosted a NFCC National Conference in the early 1990’s. As chairman of the Rural Urban Committee, he worked to build and maintain collaboration between the Lexington Rotary Club and University of Kentucky to host activities to further National Farm-City Council goals during Farm-City Week every year.


Charlie’s passion and dedication will continue to inspire those who work on behalf of promoting a greater understanding between rural and urban folk. The award’s tradition continues with the acquision of the Farm City Council by the Agriculture Council of America The Agriculture Council of America is privileged to present this award in his honor.

2015 National Ag Day Essay Contest

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) calls on ninth- to 12th-grade students to submit an original, 450-word essay or a two-minute video essay about the importance of agriculture. This year’s theme is “Agriculture: Sustaining Future Generations ” and the deadline is January 30, 2015. The ACA asks teachers and parents to encourage student participation.


The theme, “Agriculture: Sustaining Future Generations,” presents an opportunity for students to address how the agriculture industry is an endless source of opportunity for growth and development. Entrants may choose to either write an essay and/or create a video focusing on how today’s growers are overcoming challenges to provide a safe, stable food supply and sustain the significant role agriculture plays in everyday life.


“CHS enthusiastically supports rural youth and is proud to showcase their ideas,” says Annette Degnan, marketing communications director, CHS Inc., one of this year’s essay contest sponsors. “The essay and video contests provide an engaging platform for their voices, vision and dreams to be shared with a broader audience.’”


The national written essay winner receives a $1,000 prize and round-trip ticket to Washington, D.C., for recognition during the Celebration of Ag Dinner held March 18 at Whitten Patio at the USDA. During dinner, the winner will have the opportunity to read the winning essay as well as join with industry representatives, members of Congress, federal agency representatives, media and other friends in a festive ag celebration. The video essay winner wins a $1,000 prize, and the winning video will play during the Celebration of Ag Dinner.


This is the 42nd anniversary of National Ag Day. The goal of the ACA is to provide a spotlight on agriculture and the food and fiber industry. The ACA not only helps consumers understand how food and fiber products are produced, but also brings people together to celebrate accomplishments in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.


The Ag Day Essay Contest is sponsored by CHS Inc., High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal, National Association of Farm Broadcasting, National Agri-Marketing Association and Penton Farm Progress.


All written entries should be sent to: 2015 Ag Day Essay Contest, Agriculture Council of America, 11020 King Street, Suite 205, Overland Park, KS 66210, or submitted by e-mail to essay@agday.org. Students may upload video essays at http://agday.leapfile.net and follow the directions on the page, or students may choose to mail video entries on a compact disc to the address above. Visit www.agday.org to read official contest rules and for more details regarding entry applications.

2015 National Ag Day Celebration

In response to growing attention on the global availability of food, and in recognition of National Agriculture Day, March 18, 2015, the Agriculture Council of America has announced a full two-day lineup of high-profile events in the nation’s Capitol.


“This is undoubtedly the most important Ag Day program in our history,” said Jenny Pickett, President, Agriculture Council of America. “Our goal is to ensure the eyes of the nation are on the contributions American agriculture makes not just here in the United States, but also around the world. That’s the message we’re taking to the Hill, and the message that will be carried through communities across America.”
2015 events include:

March 17, 2015

TBD


March 18, 2015

Mix-and-Mingle Luncheon - A luncheon emceed by legendary agricultural broadcaster Orion Samuelson and featuring the Outstanding Young Farmer honorees and members of Congress. Venue: Cannon Caucus Room, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m.(EST) FREE OF CHARGE. Registration information coming soon!


Celebration of Agriculture Dinner - Event speaker to be determined and we will honor the winners of the Ag Day essay, video essay and poster contests as well as the Charles Eastin Award Presentation. USDA Whitten Patio, 5:00 p.m. TICKETS: $150 PER PERSON, OR $1,500 FOR A RESERVED TABLE OF 10. Registration information coming soon!


Hotel reservations can be made at The Helix, 1430 Rhode Island Avenue N.W., Washington, DC  20005
202-462-9001
www.hotelhelix.com
 
Room Rate: $209/night - make sure you mention Ag Day when making your reservations.


National Ag Day is made possible by a number of partnering organizations and sponsors. 2015 Partners include John Deere, Farm Journal Media, Meredith AgriMedia, DTN/The Progressive Farmer, Farm Progress, AgHub, CHS, U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc., Farmers Feeding the World, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Pork Producers Council and Walmart. A complete listing can be found at www.agday.org.


National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America and celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country. ACA is a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the public's awareness of agriculture's role in modern society.
Founded in 1973, National Ag Day encourages every American to:
  • Understand how food and fiber products are produced.
  • Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.
  • Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
  • Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.
Learn more and register for events at www.agday.org.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Celebration of Ag Dinner a Great Success


The USDA Whitten Building Patio was decked out on March 25, 2014, for the annual Celebration of Agriculture Dinner. Nearly 175 people were seated for a delicious dinner featuring pork provided by the National Pork Producers Council and prepared by the esteemed Mark Salter of Robert Morris Inn.

Beloved agricultural broadcaster Orion Samuelson, WGN Radio, This Week In Agribusiness, emceed the event. Deputy U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Harden expressed her appreciation of American agriculture and remarked upon the installation of Dr. Norman Borlaug’s statue in the National Statuary Hall earlier that day.

Dr. Borlaug developed high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties that greatly increased food security for Mexico, Pakistan and India. He is known as “the father of the Green Revolution,” and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for his research and contributions to agriculture.

The 2014 written and video essay contest winners were also both recognized during the dinner. This year’s essay theme was “American Agriculture: 365 Sunrises and 7 Billion Mouths to Feed.” The winner of the written essay contest was Clara Knipp from Tipton, Mo. Brackston McKnight from Jacksonville, Texas, won the video essay contest.

The Ag Day essay contest was sponsored by CHS, Inc., High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal, National Association of Farm Broadcasting, National Agri-Marketing Association, Country Living Association, Farm Progress Companies and McCormick Company.

Lindsay McQueen, Union/Jackson County, Ill. Farm Bureaus, accepted the Charles Eastin Award during the dinner. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who stand out as advocates for accurate communication between rural and urban audiences.

This festive evening was a fitting and lively tribute to the importance of American agriculture and its vibrant future.

Students Emphasize Importance of Ag in D.C.

Nearly 100 students representing 4-H, AFA, FFA and Student NAMA convened in our nation’s capitol to share the message of American agriculture with legislators.

After a day of message training, students took advantage of opportunities to meet face to face with Congressional leaders from their home states and share their views and aspirations.

The student delegates also enjoyed a tour of Washington, D.C., and an exclusive screening of the documentary, "FARMLAND—The Education of a Tradition."

Industry Events Hosted to Celebrate National Ag Day

Several agriculturally-focused organizations held events in the nation’s capitol in conjunction with Ag Day 2014. On March 24, 2014, Sara Wyant, President of Agri-Pulse, led a discussion with USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden at the Hart Senate Office Building.

More than 400 people gathered for this annual event that also doubled this year as a celebration of Agri-Pulse’s 10th anniversary.

On March 25, 2014, a dedication ceremony was held to install the Dr. Norman Borlaug statue in the National Statuary Hall on Capitol Hill. The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance also hosted a panel to discuss issues facing “The Next Generation of America’s Farmers and Ranchers.”

Two documentaries that tell the story of American agriculture were also screened during this year’s Ag Day celebration. “The Great American Wheat Harvest” was shown on March 25 and “FARMLAND” debuted on March 26.

Mix & Mingle Luncheon Draws Leaders

After more than 100 student delegates visited Congressional leaders and discussed the importance of American agriculture, they joined their colleagues in the Russell Caucus Room for the Ag Day Mix & Mingle Luncheon.

Orion Samuelson, WGN Radio, emceed the event at which the Outstanding Young Farmer award winners were recognized and U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) spoke to luncheon guests about the remarkable contributions of American agriculture to our nation’s economy and culture.

The Outstanding Young Farmer program was initiated in the 1940's. John Deere sponsored the first Outstanding Young Farmer National Congress in 1977 in Bismarck, N.D.

This year’s Outstanding Young Farmer honorees were: Patrick Zimmerer, Wyo.; Christian and Julie Richard, La.; Ali and Scott Ferry, Mich; Jennifer and Brian Harbage, Ohio.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

National Ag Day and the Road Less Traveled

Submitted by Barry Nelson, John Deere

Now that the weather is finally warming up, I went out for a long ride on my road bike, a carbon fiber Specialized Roubaix! This is my preferred aerobic exercise to get my heart rate up while alleviating the pain in a sore knee! On this particular route, I’m able to get outside the city and onto less traveled country roads. It was a gorgeous, sunny day for a thought-provoking ride as I whirred past many of the farm fields in the area. This was quite a relief from the long winter we experienced this year. I was searching for a blog topic for the National Ag Day website and had one of those “ah-ha” moments on mile 6. The light bulb in my brain went from a dull flicker to a bright glow!

 I was thinking about all the talented farm men and women I’ve met this past year at many of the farm shows, producer seminars, and special events. When you hear the personal stories from these farmers about how and why they farm, the challenges for their businesses, and the commitment and enthusiasm they have for farming and their land, there can be no stronger advocates for the importance of agriculture to this nation. I wish every American could hear some of their personal stories.

Even with many of the commodity groups, ag companies, and special interest groups advocating on behalf of their farm constituents, many in the city are not getting the message. These folks are further removed from the farm, and some of our messaging has been very logical, technical, and scientific. We need to do a better job of communicating on a more personal level to urban grocery shoppers who only want to provide safe and nutritious food for their families.

The U.S. Farmer and Rancher Alliance (USFRA) www.fooddialogues.com has done extensive research on the appropriate messaging when communicating to an urban audience.  Their website has many great ideas for resonating more effectively with this important audience. 

We are all on a challenging journey taking a road less traveled, which reminds me of the famous poem by Robert Frost. But we are also traveling on new roads, and there are many misconceptions about how we produce the food, fiber, and fuel for the world’s population.

Farmers and ranchers must be able to provide enough safe, nutritious food for a growing population that will reach 9 billion by the year 2045. The producers must be able to do this with about the same amount of land and less water. They must be efficient, with more precise use of seed, fertilizer, and crop care products. And they must do this sustainably, protecting the land and preserving their farms for future generations.

The challenge remains, however, to communicate directly with consumers in large cities. How can a farmer have some personal face-to-face interaction with the end user of their food products? Fewer and fewer consumers understand the challenges of providing the food they eat every day.

One solution is to more effectively use social media to communicate and have personal interaction with more residents in the city. I met some wonderful socially engaged farmers and ranchers who are already doing this. They have very professional websites and blogs and are reaching out individually to food experts and consumers. They are personally engaged in promoting the strengths of agriculture in the United States. 

But all of this takes time, and we don’t have much of that to go around. Personally, I will be challenging   myself to communicate better and continue to weave this important message into the presentations I make to groups who want to know more about agriculture. As ag communicators, we could all be part of the solution to more effectively communicate the challenges, hard work, and expertise needed to raise crops and livestock in today’s complicated world.

Social media is opening up many new ways to communicate directly with an audience. Imagine if, in the future, before someone goes to a store or restaurant, they could use Facetime to contact a local producer to ask questions about how they raise their crops and animals. Face-to-face, personal interaction builds trust and credibility. 

My opinion of social media is evolving because this new media will allow farmers and ranchers to reach their customers and develop relationships like never before.

So, although I’ve been more conservative on the use of Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, I’m on a personal mission to better understand social media. This has been my less-traveled road, but an increasingly more important road that will help us reach more of the consumers we ultimately serve. In the meantime, I am busy trying to understand Ning, Yammer, Vlogging, and Widgets while creating a Tag Cloud! I’m very fortunate to have found the road less traveled in agriculture because that has made all the difference in my career and personal life.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Bridging the Gap Between Farm and Fork, 365 Days A Year

Submitted by David B. Schmidt, International Food Information Council, Alliance to Feed the Future

What happens to the crops and livestock farmers and ranchers grow between the time they are harvested and the time they arrive as food on our tables? How do products like eggs, cereal and ketchup arrive to our homes ready to eat and stay that way until we make them part of our meals?

Those of us working in the farming and food sectors may take the answers to questions like these for granted. We understand the amount of labor that goes into both producing food from the land and preparing it for transportation, how to properly store it and what goes into the quick preparation of healthful meals.

When the Alliance to Feed the Future began preparing curricula about today’s food for teachers of elementary and middle school students, we knew the space between farm and fork is one about which most people outside our industry simply don’t have good, reliable information. For this reason, our K-8 resources, available free online, use fun activities and engaging graphics to focus on three essential steps leading to every American meal: production, processing and transportation.

The marvels of modern agriculture go far beyond the farm. We have endless choices for delicious and diverse cuisine 365 days a year thanks to farmers and ranchers around the world and the many others who help their bounty make it to our plates.  Advancements at every link in the food chain have allowed us to eat healthfully while spending less time and money getting our meals to the point of consumption.

Ag Day is all about celebrating the success that modern food production has been able to achieve with technology and hard work, while showing real images and impacts of today’s farms to the wider world.

We are proud to be one of many Ag Day partners empowering teachers to share the story of what happens on America’s farms and ranches—and beyond.

David Schmidt is President & CEO of the International Food Information Council, which coordinates the Alliance to Feed the Future.

The Alliance to Feed the Future is an umbrella network made up of 121 scientific societies, universities, industry and commodity groups that are working to raise awareness and improve understanding of the benefits and necessity of modern food production and technology in order to meet global demand.

For more information about the Alliance and to access its farm to fork educational curricula, visit alliancetofeedthefuture.org.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Shining Faces. Shining Futures.

Submitted by Jessie Headrick, CHS Inc. and the CHS Foundation

What happens when you gather 175 promising young farmers and ranchers from across the country for an in-depth exploration of issues facing agriculture and rural America?

You feel a rush of energy from the passion that ignites their conversations. You’re amazed by the intensity of their curiosity as they learn new ways to manage their operations. And you’re moved by the pride you hear in their voices as they talk about carrying on the legacy of their family farm.

Every fall, a new crop of progressive, business-minded producers gathers at the CHS New Leaders Forum, held in conjunction with the CHS Annual Meeting. Most arrive reserved and a bit tentative, but in a few short hours, they’re talking shop with each other like they’ve been friends for years.

These new leaders discuss their common challenges, of course, but mostly they zero in on upside opportunities that will keep their operations sustainable for future generations. They eagerly reach out to shake the hands of trusted partners that will help them stay relevant in the marketplace. They open up and ask more questions as they learn how a strong cooperative system gives them the closer connections they crave. And they smile as they celebrate the success of a global Fortune 100 company that they actually own and have a voice in — knowing it exists for the singular purpose of helping them grow.

CHS is proud to be a long-time supporter of National Ag Day and a leading force in developing rural leaders and building vibrant communities.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

From Farm to Plate: What Our Children Don’t Know

Submitted by Tracy Zeorian, U.S. Custom Harvesters

My husband and I are custom harvesters. Every summer, we travel the highways of this country with our combine. We chase the ripening wheat from Texas to Montana, just as my grandparents did 65 years ago.

We return home to Nebraska each fall. When school is back in session, I work as a substitute bus driver. This one particular day had me navigating morning rush hour with a busload of 4th graders. We were heading downtown to a performing arts center to learn about sound, music and symphonic instruments.

We passed new tractors, planters, grain carts and even a combine, being hauled on trailers. I couldn’t help but think about the kids just behind my seat. They were too busy wondering what they’d have for lunch or what game their buddy was playing on his iPod. They didn’t even notice the farm equipment. Do they even know what they are? These kids come from a small town, and their school is next to a cornfield! It occurred to me that this generation really has no idea what it takes to get food on their plates.

Surrounding communities gathered together this day to learn about music. Why not gather children to learn about how food is produced? Instead of bassoons and oboes, they could learn about seeds and harvest. They could learn about calving and ranches and gardens and farmers.

 Food grown in America is the safest, highest quality food in the world, and our children need to know. They need to know what it takes to feed so many mouths. They need hands-on experiences and digging in the dirt to fully understand … before it’s too late.

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."
Benjamin Franklin

Friday, March 14, 2014

Making Cows Comfy at Meyer Dairy

Submitted by Tara Sammon Meyer, Meyer Dairy

Cow comfort and nutrition are two of the most important aspects for any dairy operation. Healthy cows are productive cows. In this Women in Agriculture Blog, Tara Meyer, from Meyer Dairy, walks us through their feeding and bedding process. Enjoy this video as if you are right there on the farm!

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Farmers As Community Leaders

Submitted by Frank Holdemeyer, Farm Progress Publications

It's no secret that many consumers have no idea where their food comes from or how it’s produced.  That's especially true as society moves further and further from the farm. Many farm organizations are working to educate consumers on the role of farmers in food production.

But there is another story that should be told …

Besides producing food for consumers around the world, farmers and ranchers donate hours and hours of their time and, often, considerable amounts of money for the benefit of their local communities. They serve on school, bank, local co-op and church boards. Many are lay leaders in their churches. Farmers are likely the first to donate money for community buildings and then lead the fundraising efforts.

Often, farmers park their machinery during the busy planting and harvest seasons to participate in these meetings. 

Many also take on voluntary leadership roles beyond the local community, serving in state and national organizations. Many, many hours are committed and many miles are traveled.

In some states—Iowa, for example—the majority of seats in the state legislature are held by farmers.

I know this because I have worked with Master Farmer Awards programs in Iowa and other states for 40 years. Giving back to the local community and serving in leadership roles is one of the criteria for the award. But I doubt the average consumer ever considers that farmers and ranchers are the backbone of rural America.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Agriculture: The Answer to the World’s Hunger Crisis

Submitted by Garrett Jewett, Farm Journal Foundation

Farm Journal Foundation and its anti-hunger platform, Farmers Feeding the World, are proud to sponsor National Ag Day 2014. American farmers produce enough food to feed 155 people per farmer and contribute 25% of the world’s food supply. The United States is the leader in agricultural production because of its rich history of hard work, innovation, know-how and public policy. We celebrate American agriculture’s contribution, while remembering that there are millions of farmers in developing countries who struggle to produce enough food to feed themselves and their families.

The road to becoming a self-sufficient producer of key nutritional staples is a seemingly long and daunting journey for many less developed countries. Even in the United States, a staggering 14% of households are food insecure. But farmers all over the world will need to band together to produce more with less in order to meet growing global food demand. Americans can do their part by learning actions they can take to reduce hunger and support agriculture’s response to this global challenge.

Farmers Feeding the World programs rally diverse voices to ensure ending world hunger remains a national priority. The HungerU tour is a traveling exhibit that engages university students nationwide in a dialogue about world hunger, raising awareness of this crisis and agriculture’s contributions to fighting hunger. Our Farm Team brings agricultural community leaders who are passionate about fighting world hunger to engage with their representatives in Washington.

This year, Farmers Feeding the World will bring the HungerU exhibit and Farm Team members to National Ag Day to commemorate “365 Sunrises and 7 Billion Mouths to Feed,” and we hope you will join us!

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Agritechture

Submitted by Gregg Hillyer, DTN/The Progressive Farmer

My urban friends are constantly amazed at the amount of technology farmers use today. Many mistakenly assume the men and women who work the land resemble Grant Wood’s iconic “American Gothic.” Of course they couldn’t be more wrong.

They shake their heads in amazement when I tell them about auto-steer, GPS, computerized screens that monitor machines and field functions and sensors that assess the health of a crop to determine how much nitrogen to apply. The list of cool tech goes on and on.

Agriculture has always been defined by the technology at hand. The early 20th century, for example, saw the mechanization of farming, hybrid corn and more. We’re entering a new era of technology that could be a game-changer. I’m talking about the ability to gather massive amounts of information, analyze it and then create a prescription specific to a certain field or acre. This data can be retrieved anywhere, anytime on your computer, tablet or mobile phone.

It’s all part of a powerful platform that will allow farmers to vary crop inputs across the field to optimize efficiencies and productivity like never before. A platform that embraces sustainability and sound environmental practices, while giving growers tools to make smarter decisions. Ultimately, this technology will take yields to the next level. More importantly, it will help growers manage risk by minimizing variability from year to year.

As this latest wave of high tech unfolds, prepare to be amazed.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Livestock Myths Debunked

Submitted by Shawna Newsome, National Cattlemen's Beef Association

It’s easy for Americans to become swept away by a wave of Anti-Agriculture propaganda. But the real truth about cattle production is simple: It’s a family affair and ranchers love their animals. This fundamental idea can be explained by debunking one of the most common cattle myths: The majority of cattle are raised in large, commercial operations.

The truth is, of the 729,000 beef cow operations and the 915,000 cow/calf operations, less than 10% have more than 100 head of cattle. And 97% of cattle operations are family owned. America has a rich history of ranching. Even here in D.C., the White House lawn served as home for an assortment of livestock, including the notorious Pauline Wayne, the last cow to graze the lawn.

At the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, our job is to bring cattle back to the Capitol. No, we will never see cattle grazing at the White House again, but we can remind our Congress why the cattle industry is vital to our economy. 

As family farmers and ranchers, cattlemen have a vested interest in protecting the environment. As responsive producers, they share an interest in meeting the needs of consumers worldwide by providing high-quality, nutritious beef, while setting higher quality and safety standards than those required by the government. As individual entrepreneurs, cattlemen raise livestock in more states than any other commodity, helping sustain a way of life in thousands of rural communities.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Sustainable Bacon

Submitted by David Warner, National Pork Producers Council

You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t appreciate a slice (or six!) of bacon.

But how many people think about how that bacon is made? Well, thanks to America’s pork farmers, bacon is produced more sustainably than ever.

Sustainability means many different things to different people. For many farmers, sustainability means leaving the land in better condition than they inherited it, allowing for many more generations to keep farming. Sustainability is nothing new to pork farmers.

To ensure they are being sustainable, farmers use sound science and work with leading experts to determine how what is done on the farm will impact carbon, air, water and land footprints. As a result, in the past 50 years, American pork farmers have reduced their carbon footprint by 35%; reduced water use by 41%; and reduced the amount of land used by 78%.

At the same time, they have been producing more and more pork for a hungry world. In 1959, it took eight pigs to produce 1,000 pounds of pork. Today, it takes only five.

Pork farmers are not only making the right decisions on the farm, they’re also are involved in their communities. They’re on the scene, grilling and giving away hot pork meals when devastating floods hit Nashville, Hurricane Sandy destroyed parts of New York and New Jersey, and tornadoes tore apart Oklahoma. And pork farmers across the country routinely donate pork, a much-needed protein, to local food banks.

So the next time you reach for the bacon, you can feel good about how it got to your plate.