AUDIO: Bill Even, National Pork Board CEO
Each month, the nation observes certain days and holidays. During the month of October, the United States celebrates National Pork Month. National Pork Board CEO Bill Even explains why we celebrate pork during the first full month of fall.
?As you head into the fall season, there?s usually a lot of pork available,? Even said. ?It?s easy to find the cuts you?re looking for in the supermarket. The other thing that?s important is pork is pretty value-priced this time of year. You head into the holidays, whether it?s Thanksgiving or Christmas or a family get together, it?s very popular to have that ham sitting on the table.?
This month, Even wants to thank those consumers supporting the pork industry.
?The industry is growing and demand has stayed strong, both domestically and internationally,? Even said. ?We?re very thankful for the opportunity to help feed Americans a delicious, versatile and flavorful pork dish.?
One way the National Pork Board measures growth within the industry is by the number of plants being built. In Iowa, five pork processing plants are being built, three of great size.
?When you look at pork being the number one consumed meat protein in the world – 42% of meat protein consumed is pork, poultry comes in second at 35% and beef is third at 23%. When you think about businesses and producers making these investments, they understand that pork is the protein of choice globally, and they?re making these investments in the U.S. because we have the lowest cost of production,? Even said.
