A bill passed last week to help with financial insecurities in the agricultural economy that could come about from COVID-19 says Jennifer Tirey, Executive Director of the Illinois Pork Producers Association:
“With low commodity prices, just making sure that all of our farmers are protected because they have to continue to feed their animals. They have to continue to raise them up and we still have consumers we need to supply pork too,” Tirey states.
With the passing of that bill, the Illinois Department of Transportation is now waiving the weight on state highways to up to 88,000 pounds for livestock and seed haulers.
All of the pork processing plants, including Smithfield, are functioning normally and seeing better than expected attendance, reports Tirey:
“Our pork supply food chain is moving positively in the right direction. We have farmers working on the farm waiting for it to dry up because we are getting close to planting season and so we are continuing to work and our pig farmers are in it for the long haul,” says Tirey.
To stay up to date on all things pork related amid COVID-19, visit http://ilpork.com.
During this pandemic, the United States pork exports are still open, although there has been a slight drop in hams to Mexico. Tirey states China has been our saving grace:
“With their African Swine Fever concerns, that we hope stay in China and never come over to the United States, they have lost over half of their herd. Our exports are going to China. With the phase one agreement, some of those tariffs have been reduced, which is allowing our pork to get into that market even easier and faster,” reports Tirey.
African Swine fever is a foreign animal disease that does not transmit through humans, but only through animals.
Pig Farmers Rally Together to Gift Porkto Regional Food Banks in Illinois
During a time of uncertainty and closures, Illinois pig farmers are more concerned about feeding others than their individual worries. While grocery store shelves and meat cases across the state are cleared, farmers know there is a plentiful supply of pork and are making sure it gets in the right hands.
The nine regional food banks in Illinois are receiving more than 20,000 pounds of ground pork, just in time for the shelter-in-place order to lift. Since a few of the food banks reach outside of state lines, the neighboring state pork associations have also chipped in to further the reach.
The Indiana and Iowa Pork Producers Associations have equally matched the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) donation amount to their respective bordering food banks. Similarly, the Illinois Corn Marketing Board has also contributed to the program. This further shows dedication and generosity from farmers across the country.
“Our continuing partnership with pork producers is truly meaningful and greatly appreciated,” shares Jim Hires, President and CEO of the Eastern Illinois Foodbank. “Thank you for your generous donations.”
In the lifetime of the “Pork Power” program, Illinois pig farmers and additional sponsors have provided Illinois communities with over 821,000 pounds of pork – which equivalates to more than 2.7 million servings.
“As members of our communities and those who raise food, we use this program as a method to give to those less fortunate,” explains Dale Weitekamp, IPPA president. “Illinois Pork gives us a platform to donate food to local families.”
***Report Courtesy of Illinois Pork Producers Association***
