Local pork producer to address industry’s progress at June 30 event

From press release

Illinois pork production takes center stage Wednesday, June 30, at the regularly-scheduled meeting of the Rock Valley Heritage Kiwanis Club. Carrie Pollard of Bethany Animal Hospital will address the group at 7 a.m. at the Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford.

Titled “The Pork Industry: More Than Just the Other White Meat,” the speech by Pollard will showcase the industry’s rural economic impact, plus ongoing programs to enhance the nutritional quality of pork, to protect the environment and to treat livestock humanely. As a result of new technologies and management systems, U.S. pork producers have trimmed pork’s fat content 31 percent since 1983.

“Like other industries facing strong competitive pressures,” Pollard remarked, “we’re working to constantly improve our ability to provide tasty, affordable and nutritious pork products in a responsible manner. I’d like to thank the Rock Valley Heritage Kiwanis Club for giving me an opportunity to discuss how pork producers are providing quality pork products, benefiting the local economy and being responsible neighbors.”

The pork industry in Illinois contributes more than $1.7 billion annually to the state’s economy, generates more than $136 million in taxes and supports more than 7,800 jobs.