The Illinois Pork Producers Association celebrated Illinois Bacon Day on May 6 at the Illinois State Capitol, recognizing the importance of pork production and the farmers who help feed families across the state.
The event commemorated Senate Resolution 749 and House Resolution 823, officially designating May 6 as Illinois Bacon Day. The resolutions were sponsored by Chris Balkema and Representatives Mary Beth Canty, Dan Swanson, Sonya M. Harper, Charles Meier, Jason R. Bunting, Matt Hanson, Laura Faver Dias and Kelly M. Cassidy.
Illinois pig farmers, Illinois Pork Producers Association staff members, and Illinois FFA state officers spent the day at the Capitol handing out Candy Bacon Treats to legislators while discussing the impact of pork production on the state’s economy and rural communities.
Illinois continues to play a major role in the U.S. pork industry. According to the Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois pig farmers produce more than 6 billion slices of bacon annually. Illinois also ranks fourth in the nation for pork production.
The pork industry in Illinois supports more than 30,000 jobs and contributes an estimated $13.8 billion to the state’s economy. Industry leaders say the recognition of Illinois Bacon Day helps highlight the importance of family farms and the people involved in raising pigs across the state.
The Illinois Pork Producers Association is also encouraging consumers to support pork producers through the #BringHomeTheBacon campaign. The initiative asks shoppers to add bacon or other pork products to their grocery carts to help support Illinois farmers. Approximately 96% of Illinois farms are family owned.
Restaurants across Illinois also participated in the celebration by featuring pork specials on their menus during Illinois Bacon Day.
The event served as an opportunity to connect legislators and consumers with the farmers who continue working to produce high-quality pork products while supporting local communities and the agricultural economy.