Iowa Farmers Celebrate a Special Soy Consumer During National Pork Month

October 3, 2024 | Brock Johnston

Ankeny, Iowa – Dedicated customers are foundational to a successful business. For Iowa soybean farmers, the state’s 24 million pigs play a vital role in their livelihood – a symbiotic relationship highlighted this October for National Pork Month.

“Soybean farmers understand the importance of consistent demand right here at home,” says Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) President Brent Swart, a soybean farmer from Spencer. “A changing world brings many uncertainties for farmers, especially trade and our ability to sell overseas. This only underscores the importance of Iowa’s pork industry as a reliable, domestic market for soybeans.”

Iowa ranks first in the nation in pork production with over 5,400 hog farms. The industry also supports more than 147,000 jobs, or nearly 10 percent of the state’s workforce, generating more than $13 billion in economic activity.

Iowa’s hog herd generates quite the appetite for homegrown soybeans. During the year, Iowa pigs will consume soybeans from 23% of the state’s soybean acres and 22% of corn acres.

“Pork and soybeans enjoy a special relationship that is mutually beneficial,” says ISA District 5 Director Dave Struthers, who also raises hogs in Story County. “It takes a lot of high-quality, protein-rich feed to raise healthy animals in a way that’s also economical. Soybean meal checks the boxes by delivering that nutrition.”

As global demand for animal protein continues to rise, Iowa soybean farmers and their checkoff remain committed to supporting a thriving domestic pork industry – investing in soybean meal research to further improve soybean genetics that support animal health and nutrition.

Iowa soybean farmers also support the pork industry as strong supporters of the Animal Ag Alliance and founding members of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. ISA also works closely with Iowa pig farmers as an active participant in the Iowa Food & Family Project, helping boost trust in modern agriculture and demand for great-tasting pork raised right here in Iowa.

“We celebrate Iowa’s dedicated hog producers this month and every month,” adds Swart. “Whether you’re supporting a local meat locker or firing up the grill for a final time this fall, consumers can help celebrate by eating more pork!”

To learn more about Iowa’s pork industry, visit iowapork.org.

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Funded by the soybean checkoff

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The Iowa Soybean Association (www.iasoybeans.com) is “Driven To Deliver” increased soybean demand through market development and new uses, farmer-focused research and results, timely information and know-how and policy initiatives enabling farmers and the industry to flourish. Founded in 1964 by farmers to serve farmers, ISA is governed by a board of 22 farmers to advocate on behalf of the state’s 37,000 soybean producers, including more than 15,000 ISA farmer members and industry stakeholders.

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