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JULY IS PORK MONTH IN ALABAMA
 | | Alabama Pork Producers State Committee Chairman Stanley Morris, left, presented Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks with a plate of ribs as part of the organizations July is Pork Month promotion. Sparks proclaimed "July is Pork Month" at the Agriculture and Industries board meeting June 26. |
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Alabama families traditionally celebrate the Fourth of July with family gatherings to enjoy delicious pork barbecue, so it was only natural that Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks declare July as Pork Month in the state.To help kickoff the month-long celebration, Alabama Pork Producer Chairman Stanley Morris of St. Clair County presented Sparks with a platter full of delicious barbecued ribs.
As a pork producer, Morris said he wants consumers to know about the nutritious benefits of today's lean pork, but he also wants them to know pork production plays an important role in the state and national economy. "Pork is the world's most widely consumed meat, accounting for about 40 percent of the world's meat consumption," Morris said. "In Alabama, there are about 175,000 swine on farms for a total investment in the livestock industry of $8.5 million, and for every $2.32 of pork sold, a farmer receives only 81 cents."
The average American eats 51 pounds of pork per year and because of research, pork is now 31 percent lower in fat, 14 percent lower in calories and 10 percent lower in cholesterol than in 1983. The United States pork industry employs 600,000 people and exports more than $1 billion worth of pork products each year. In addition to being one of America's favorite meats, pork also has many other valuable uses. For example, insulin from swine is used in the treatment of diabetes, pig heart valves are used to replace damaged or diseased human heart valves and skin from pigs is used to treat severe burn victims. For more information about pork production in Alabama and lots of delicious pork recipes, visit the pork producers' website at: www.alabamaporkproducers.com .
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