What Local Students Think About “National Pork Month”
My name is Bridgette Moeller, the 16-year-old daughter of Thomas and Rachelle Moeller of Preston. I am a member of the Easton Valley FFA chapter where I am actively involved in contests, community service projects, and exhibiting my animals at the Jackson County Fair. October is pork month! Pork Month is important to me because it can spread more awareness about how amazing pigs are. I think pigs are highly underrated and some people don’t fully understand everything a pig can provide for humans. Pigs provide valuable products to humans such as insulin, heart valves, of course delicious pork products and much more those are just a few examples. Pigs are highly intelligent and naturally quite hygienic, leading to a longer lifespan. They designate one specific spot for their waste which keeps the rest of their arena clean for sleeping and eating. I think Pork Month is important so local producers can be recognized for their hard work variety of projects and share important information. I think that Pork month is important to producers for their hard work and dedication
My name is Amber Hartung and I am 14 years old and I am the daughter of Pat and Rhonda Hartung of Goose Lake, Iowa. I am a member of the Easton Valley FFA Chapter where I am active in contests, community service projects, and I also show animals at the Jackson County Fair. Pork Month is important to me because this supports the pork that we eat and this is when pigs are marketed, we are also one of the top pork producers and I find that important. Pork month is a very important part of the pig industry because it shows that there is pork in the meat industry and recognizes pork for the month of October.
My name is Charlie Lane and I am the 17-year-old son of Mark and Brianna Lane. We farm north of Preston where we run a cow calf herd and a small meat goat herd, as well as feeding cattle and Berkshire pigs. I have raised and shown pigs and cattle since I was in 6th grade for both Preston Trailblazers 4-H and Easton Valley FFA. Pork Month is important to me because it highlights the work that we as pig farmers do to put high quality protein on your plate. I am currently serving as Secretary of the Jackson County Pork Producers, and I have seen firsthand at grillings how much a fresh pork chop means to some people. It seems like such a simple thing, but people recognize the Pork Producers and the quality that we bring. I think the consumer perception of the pork industry, especially the commercial side, is less than positive, and I’m proud to humanely raise high-quality Berkshire pork. I think Pork Month is a great opportunity for the swine industry to educate consumers on the benefits of pork and pigs in local economies and agriculture.
My name is Emily Matthiesen, and I am currently a junior at Easton Valley High School. I am the daughter of Dustin and Amber Matthiesen of Bryant Iowa. I am actively involved in the Easton Valley FFA Chapter, where I participate in contests, community service, and exhibit at the Jackson County Fair. Pork Month holds significant value for me, as showing swine at the county fair provides valuable experiences. Pork Month is important to the industry because it highlights the significance of pork and its numerous byproducts, which are important to our food systems and economy.
My name is Gavin Regenwether. I am the son of Ron Regenwether from outside of Spragueville and a member of the Easton Valley FFA chapter. October is pork month and with pork month I think it provides an opportunity for us as consumers to reflect on the impact pork production has on our lives. I believe that pork is an important part of the agricultural industry and a major contributor to the food industry. Pork is the third most type of meat consumed in the United States, and is accountable for many jobs produced all across the country today. Iowa is number one in pork production across the nation. If you happen to see a pork producer, take time to thank them for their contribution to our lives!
My name is Kambree Schwager. I am 16 years old and my parents are Mick and Tricia Schwager. My family and I live in rural Bellevue where we raise cattle and pigs. I am a member of the Easton Valley FFA Chapter and I participate in numerous FFA activities such as Livestock judging, showing at the local fair and other FFA contests. During the month of October, pork month is celebrated. It is important to me and my family because we see the behind the scenes of hardworking pork producers and the pork industry. Pork month is important to the pork industry because it recognizes the dedication of producers and farmers and also allows the pork industry to promote and inform people about the importance of pork.
My name is Keaton, son of Kelly and Tony Hoefelmeyer. I live in Maquoketa and have been a member of the Easton Valley FFA chapter for the past 3 years. In FFA, I participate in contests, such as the manual quiz and Parliamentary Procedure, as well as show livestock at the Jackson County Fair each year. Pork Month is important to me because I am a pork producer, and being able to see the hard work that goes into producing pork is important to me and consumers. Pork Month is significant not only to me but to the pork industry, as people can become more educated about where their pork comes from, learn how it is raised, and know the dedication producers put into their produce.
My name is Mary Lane and I am the daughter of Mark and Brianna Lane of Preston. I am a sophomore at Marquette and a member of the Easton Valley FFA chapter where I have shown market hogs, goats and beef at the Jackson County Fair. I have also participated in the Bacon Buddies event at the fair. Pork month is important to me because it’s nice to draw attention to the pork industry. We eat a lot of pork at our house and enjoy the variety of ways it can be served. I enjoy working with our pigs and helping bring them to a high-quality product for the Berkwood program.
