The Illinois pork industry celebrated the commemoration of Senate Joint Resolution 24 designating May 7 as Illinois Bacon Day. Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) staff worked alongside Illinois pig farmers and Illinois FFA officers to hand out BLT sandwiches to legislators at the Illinois State Capitol while discussing the role that pork production plays in Illinois.
The resolution, sponsored by Senators Chris Balkema, Doris Turner, Sally Turner, Craig Wilcox and Li Arellano Jr. in the Senate, and Reps Kelly Cassidy, Dan Swanson, Wayne Rosenthal, Sonya Harper, Mary Beth Canty, Sharon Chung, Nicolle Grasse, Barbara Hernandez, Mary Gill, Laura Faver Dias, Charlie Meier and Katie Stuart in the House, is a nod to Illinois pig farmers who produce over 6 billion slices of bacon annually.
“We are so happy to be able to pass the resolution a few weeks ago on the Senate floor to honor Illinois pork producers with Illinois Bacon Day,” says Sen. Balkema. “We’re so grateful to have everyone’s support and to the Illinois Pork Producers Association for the free meals they are handing out to the Illinois Senate and House today. It’s a wonderful day.”
For Cheryl Walsh, past IPPA president, Illinois Bacon Day demonstrates that elected officials have a deep understanding of the importance of agriculture to the state’s prosperity.
“Through their efforts, we’ve seen meaningful progress on issues that matter to pork producers,” Walsh says. “The IPPA appreciates the open dialogue and collaborative approach legislators have taken in addressing the challenges and opportunities within the livestock sector. Their leadership helps ensure that Illinois remains fourth in the nation, contributing to both local and global food security.”
Illinois pork production supports over 30,000 jobs and contributes an estimated $13.8 billion dollars to the economy, says Jennifer Tirey, executive director of the Illinois Pork Producers Association.
“Illinois Bacon Day is an opportunity to educate our stakeholders about our industry and discuss the issues currently facing pig farmers,” says IPPA president Josh Maschhoff. “We understand many stakeholders don’t represent rural districts, and Bacon Day is a great way for pork producers to connect with legislators on a personal level.”
To help support Illinois pig farmers, IPPA is challenging consumers to #BringHomeTheBacon.
“Keep the demand for pork products high by adding bacon (or any pork product!) to your grocery cart every time you shop,” Tirey says. “In doing so, you are supporting Illinois farms, 96% of which are family owned.”
She also thanks the local restaurants who participated in Illinois Bacon Day by featuring a pork special on their menu on May 7.
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