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.

Click here to see more...

Video: Evidence-Based PRRS Elimination Methods - Dr. Brent Pepin

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Brent Pepin, Director of Swine Health at the National Pork Board, explains how a systematic review of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus elimination methods is helping shape future herd health strategies. He discusses evidence-based farm and regional approaches, research gaps, and practical guidance to support informed decision-making across the swine industry. Listen now on all major platforms!

Click here to learn more: https://porkcheckoff.org/research/sys...

"Disease status sharing gives producers the opportunity to make real-time decisions that reduce PRRS prevalence and protect regions from new exposure."

Meet the guest: Dr. Brent Pepin / brent-pepin-dvm-ms-7988066b is Director of Swine Health at the National Pork Board. After earning his DVM and M.S. from Iowa State University, he built extensive experience in swine veterinary practice, research, and herd health management. His current work focuses on disease control, traceability, and improving herd health across the U.S. swine industry. Listen to Brent Pepin on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.