October is recognized as National Pork Month.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, pork represents 36 percent of all meat consumption in the world, making it the most widely eaten meat.  Pat and Michelle Fields have two hog facilities and privately raise hogs for 4-H in the Paton area.  Michelle says pork is so versatile, it can be produced at a higher rate.

“So we are able to produce a larger quantity, able to feed more people at a lower cost.  And also, kind of the other benefit of raising pork is that it’s a natural fertilizer for the soil as well.”

She points out that one of the more popular pork products is bacon.

“Bacon seems to be the popular (one) right now.  There’s the bacon festival in Des Moines (and for) two years running we’ve had the BaCOON bike ride.  So there’s definitely a demand for pork products.”

Michelle and Pat participated at the Iowa State Fair in the Iowa Pork Producers tent and for their one day, they served over 3,000 pork chops on a stick.

Officials with the Iowa Pork Producers say that the reason why October is recognized as Pork Month is because it’s the time of year when hogs are marketed.