October has been designated National Pork Month. That makes it an especially good time to reflect on the importance of the pork industry to this state.

It’s unlikely that anyone who lives in Iowa does not already know that pork production contributes mightily to the economic vitality of the Hawkeye State. It may come as a surprise, however, that hogs raised in Iowa account for more than 30 percent of U.S. hog production. Iowa ranks as the nation’s top hog-producing state. It’s also the top state for pork exports.

According to the Iowa Pork Producers Association:

• Pork production sustains about 120,000 jobs.

• Iowa has 5,172 hog farms.

• There are pig farmers in every Iowa county. The top five Iowa counties for pig production are Washington, Sioux, Lyon, Hamilton and Plymouth. Each of these counties has more than 1 million pigs.

• Iowa producers market almost 48 million hogs a year.

• There are about 25 million pigs being raised in Iowa at any given time.

• Livestock production in Iowa supplies about 25 percent of Iowa’s cropland fertilizer needs.

To top it off, the pork industry is responsible for $8 billion of household income in the state, according to an economic impact study commissioned by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

This statistical overview of pork production in Iowa illustrates the magnitude of this critical industry. It should leave little doubt that pork producers help keep Iowa prosperous and are key players in the state’s economy. There’s good reason not only for those people who work in the pork industry, but also everyone else who resides in Iowa, to join in celebrating National Pork Month.