Pork producer scheduled to address industry’s progress at Mercer County Board meeting

Illinois pork production takes center stage on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Mercer County Board of Commissioners. Dr. Seth Krantz of Carthage Veterinary Service in Carthage, will address the group at 7 p.m. at the Mercer County Courthouse at 100 SE Third in Aledo.

Titled “The Pork Industry:  More Than Just the Other White Meat,” the speech by Dr. Krantz will showcase the industry’s rural economic impact plus on-going programs to enhance the nutritional quality of pork, to protect the environment and to treat livestock humanely.  Due to new technologies and management systems, U.S. pork producers have trimmed pork’s fat content 31 percent since 1983.

“Like other industries facing strong competitive pressures,” Krantz remarked, “we’re working to constantly improve our ability to provide tasty, affordable and nutritious pork products in a responsible manner.  I’d like to thank the Mercer County Board of Commissioners for giving me an opportunity to discuss how pork producers are providing quality pork products, benefiting the local economy and being responsible neighbors.”

The pork industry in Illinois contributes more than $1.7 billion annually to the state’s economy, generates more than $136 million in taxes and supports more than 7,800 jobs.