By Blake Jackson
October is Pork Month in Kentucky, and it's a time to celebrate the state's pork industry and the farmers who work hard to raise pigs. Pork is an important product for the Kentucky economy, generating millions of dollars in revenue each year. It's also a delicious and nutritious protein that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Kentucky pork is used by businesses all over the country, including Cracker Barrel Restaurants, FiveStar gas stations, and all the Dairy Queen restaurants in Kentucky and the surrounding region. This supports Kentucky farmers and the state's economy.
Pork is a good source of protein, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, zinc, and potassium. It's also a relatively lean protein, making it a healthy choice for people of all ages.
The Kentucky pork industry supports jobs and generates earnings in the state economy. In 2022, the sale of market hogs and pigs brought Kentucky farmers $181.43 million.
There are more than 1,800 swine operations across Kentucky, and most of the state's hogs are raised in western Kentucky. Kentucky ranks in the top 20 states in the nation for total swine production.
At the end of 2022, Kentucky had approximately 450,000 total head of market hogs on feed, representing only a portion of the more than 860,000 hogs and pigs Kentucky farmers sold at the market last year.
Photo Credit: istock-apichsn
Categories: Kentucky, General, Livestock, Hogs