Illinois Pork Producers Advocate for Industry at State Capitol

May 06, 2024

On Wednesday, Illinois Pork Producers took their message, along with some sizzling bacon, to the state capitol. Led by Jennifer Tirey, executive director of the Illinois Pork Producers Association, the initiative aimed to engage urban legislators who may lack familiarity with hog farming.

Dubbed “Bacon Day for Illinois,” Tirey emphasized the importance of educating legislators about the pork industry. She highlighted the value of personal interactions, often leading to invitations for farm tours, as legislators play a crucial role in shaping industry policies.

To enhance their message, the Pork Producers Association offered complimentary BLT sandwiches, leveraging the universal appeal of bacon to foster dialogue and celebration.

Their efforts were recognized with Illinois Senate Joint Resolution 50, officially declaring May 1st as Bacon Day in the state.

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Video: Exploring Precision Data in Swine Production - Dr. Janice Siegford

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Janice Siegford from Michigan State University discusses how precision livestock farming data can support pig health, welfare, transparency, and decision making. She explains why data ownership, privacy, consumer perception, and cost sharing must be addressed as technology becomes more common on farms. Listen now on all major platforms.

“Precision livestock farming data can support producers, veterinarians, certifiers, and consumers by enabling improved monitoring, prediction, and decision-making across the entire production system.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Janice Siegford / janice-siegford-24318839 is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University. Her expertise in animal welfare, neuroscience, and zoology supports research on pig behavior, stress resilience, and precision livestock farming. Her work explores early weaning, genetics, and stakeholder perspectives on technology adoption to improve pig care, health, and productivity. Learn more from Dr. Janice Siegford on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.