Commodity Groups Join Forces to Promote Animal Agriculture

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2007
Contact: Adam Buckallew (573) 635-3819

AUXVASSE, Mo.. – Members of the state legislature, county officials and community leaders joined the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) and the Missouri Pork Association (MPA) to learn about the important connection that exists between the pork and row crop industries today at Harrison Creek Farms, a hog facility in Callaway County. This was the second in a series of Lunch and Learn programs put on by the MSMC and other Missouri commodity organizations this summer to educate decision makers of the vast impact agriculture has on communities.

Missouri’s annual cash hog sales exceed $617 million, placing it as the seventh largest pork-producing state in the nation. There are more than 2.7 million hogs in the state, spread throughout 2,900 operations. Not only does the swine industry provide the most widely consumed meat in the world; it is also a key figure in pharmaceutical research. Swine products are used to create insulin, treat burn victims and help revolutionize disease treatment methods all over the world.

“These Lunch and Learn programs are a great way for producers to show support and spread knowledge about the pork industry. To maintain Missouri’s role as a pork production leader, we need to keep our friends and neighbors informed about what we are doing to provide them with top-quality, pork products,” said Kenny Brinker, owner of Harrison Creek Farms.

"Activities such as this provide a great opportunity to highlight the benefits and importance of animal agriculture and, in this case, pork production. Harrison Creek Farms utilizes the latest technology for managed environment livestock operations and continues to work hard at keeping their business successful while protecting the environment and continuing to give back to their local community," states Don Nikodim, MPA executive vice president.

Hogs and pigs are crucial to the crop farmers of Missouri since animal agriculture consumes more soybeans and corn than any other industry. The pork industry consumes 43 percent of soybean meal and 20 percent of corn produced in the state.

“Livestock producers are Missouri soybean farmers’ No. 1 customer. We deeply appreciate our friends in animal agriculture, such as Harrison Creek Farms and the Missouri Pork Association. Our Lunch and Learn series is helping Missourians grow in their appreciation for our pork-producing neighbors,” said Dale R. Ludwig, MSMC executive director/CEO.

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© Missouri Soybean Programs
PO Box 104778
3337 Emerald Lane
Jefferson City, MO 65110
Phone: (573) 635-3819
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email: mosoy@mosoy.org