CLIVE — Decades ago, October was the major month in which large amounts of hogs would be brought to market. Though times have changed and production practices have evolved, October Pork Month is one way in which history and tradition have lived on in the pork industry. October is the month to celebrate pork, and you can show your support by taking part in October Pork Month activities wherever you might find yourself. 

“Over the years the pork industry has seen many changes and advancements, but what hasn’t changed is the dedication producers have for providing a safe and healthy product,” said National Pork Board President Conley Nelson, a farmer and pork executive from Algona. “As an industry, we are as committed as ever to doing the right thing.”

With a nod to their past, producers also are looking toward the future. Thanks to the availability of new technology and tools, producers are becoming more sustainable, as shown in a study released this year that compared farm data from 1959 to the same production information for 2009. By reducing their carbon footprint 35 percent and the land needed to produce a pound of pork by 78 percent, producers are showing their ability to do more with less.