20 Iowa Pork Facts

1. Iowa is the #1 pork producing state in the nation, producing almost 1/3 of the total U.S. pork supply. #IowaPork #Porktober22

2. Pig farmers in Iowa produce OVER 37 billion servings of pork each year. That’s a lot of meat! #IowaPork #Porktober22

3. Nearly one in 10 Iowans have jobs connected to pork production!!! #IowaPork #Porktober22

4. Pigs add value to the corn and soybeans produced in Iowa. Pigs raised in Iowa consume the corn and soybeans from 1 of every 5 acres grown in Iowa. #IowaPork #Porktober22

5. Did you know, if everyone involved in Iowa pork production lived in one city, they’d live in the state’s third largest community! Iowa creates more than 147,000 jobs, and those pork production jobs are in every Iowa county. #IowaPork #Porktober22

6. Did you know that pork is heart-healthy? Pork is naturally low in sodium and a good source of potassium. Both helping regulate blood pressure. Pork tenderloin is certified as heart-healthy by the American Heart Association. #IowaPork #Porktober22

7. Pork is the most widely eaten meat around the world. #IowaPork #Porktober22

8. For optimum flavor and juiciness, cook pork to medium-rare at 145°F with a 3-minute rest. #IowaPork #Porktober22

9. Pork is a low-fat protein choice. Today's pork has 27% less saturated fat as compared to 1991. Many cuts of pork are as lean as skinless chicken. #IowaPork #Porktober22

10. Pork is a low-fat choice and is packed with nutrients. Today's pork has 16% less fat and 27% less saturated fat as compared to 1991. Many cuts of pork are as lean as skinless chicken. #IowaPork #Porktober22

11. Did you know… More than 26% of the pork produced in the United States is exported overseas. Don’t worry though, there is plenty to go around! #IowaPork #Porktober22

12. Did you know, pigs and other farm animals are raised for more than just meat? If you brushed your teeth this morning, rode in a vehicle, or buttoned your clothing you can thank a pig farmer! #IowaPork #Porktober22

13. Have you ever wondered why many of today’s pigs are raised in barns instead of outside? Barns protect pigs by keeping them safe and comfortable year-round. #IowaPork #Porktober22

14. Did you know, manure is a great organic fertilizer? According to Iowa State University, manure use meets only 25% of Iowa’s fertilizer needs. Using pig manure instead of synthetic fertilizers helps improve soil quality and crop production. #IowaPork #Porktober22

15. Do you know why we raise so many pigs in Iowa? Feed is the biggest input for pig farmers, so raising pigs where crops are grown allows farmers to be more sustainable. #IowaPork #Porktober22

16. Did you know… More than 26% of the pork produced in the United States is exported overseas. Don’t worry though, there is plenty to go around! #IowaPork #Porktober22

17. Farmers take biosecurity very seriously. Wait, what is biosecurity?! Biosecurity is the way we manage our pig farms to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases. These practices include barn and transportation sanitation, rodent control, worker and visitor entry policies, and others practices that help keep our animals safe and healthy! #IowaPork #Porktober22

18. Did you know… Pork is an excellent source for natural nutrients that are important to our health such as thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, phosphorus, and protein. #IowaPork #Porktober22

19. Can you guess how fast pigs grow? It’s fast! Pigs weigh 2-3 pounds at birth and reach 270 pounds in 6 months. #IowaPork #Porktober22

20. You’ve heard the rumor and we’re here to confirm it. Our fact of the day is that pigs, in fact, do NOT sweat. So next time you say, “I’m sweating like a pig!” do you really mean it? #IowaPork #Porktober22