‘Ag in the Classroom’ lessons in the past month were about the contributions of pork production
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The Ag in the Classroom lessons discussed pork production. The Illinois pork industry contributes $1.8 billion to the economy each year. Over 4.75 million hogs are raised in Illinois each year, and Illinois ranks fourth in the U.S. for hog production.
Pork is the most consumed animal protein in the world. Today’s pork producers market a leaner, healthier product than in previous generations. Pork is an excellent choice for a healthy diet, with protein, iron, and B vitamins. It is also low in fat and calories.
Livestock producers care for the environment as well. Many pork producers plant tree buffers to capture and reduce odors. Pork producers also use hog manure for fertilizer, thus reducing the number of chemicals that need added to fields.
We may love to eat crispy bacon, juicy sausage, and tender pork chops, but pork has over 500 by-products as well. Many of these are in the medical field. Insulin, dressing for severe burns, and heart valves come from pigs. Other by-products include chewing gum, leather, glue, insulation, cosmetics, crayons, buttons, and floor wax. Pigs make many valuable contributions to our diets, economy, and medical health.
Students learned the difference between fiction and non-fiction books about pigs. Other students did a STEM building experiment for their activity.
Douglas County Ag in the Classroom is supported by Douglas County Farm Bureau, Douglas County Farm Service Agency, and Illinois Ag in the Classroom.