This month, the other white meat is in.

October is National Pork Month, and Iowa, as a national leader in pork production, can count many reasons to celebrate.

Pork production is a positive force in many aspects of Iowa’s economy, said Jen Holtkamp, communications director for Iowa Pork Producers Association.

“Due to property taxes and events led by the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa schools and communities benefit,” Holtkamp said.

Holtkamp cited estimates by ISU professor of economics John Lawrence, which stated that $2.75 per marketed pig goes to local communities via taxes.

She said each county’s pork associations also contribute to the community by awarding scholarships, donating hams for charity and creating jobs.

These jobs range from agribusiness professionals who supply financial resources, equipment, materials, feed, animal health products and building materials to pork producers, packers, processors and retailers, Holtkamp said.

Iowa leads the nation in pork production, marketing one-fourth of the total pork production in the United States, Holtkamp said.

“Iowa farmers raise more than 25 million hogs each year,” said Dave Moody, vice president of resources for the Iowa Pork Producers Association. The Iowa pork industry generates $12 billion annually to the Iowa economy and creates many jobs for Iowans, Moody said.

“89,000 Iowans have jobs directly or indirectly linked to the pork industry,” Holtkamp said.

Pigs also help Iowa’s economy by consuming corn and soybeans.

“The pork industry consumes 30 percent of Iowa’s corn and soybeans,” Holtkamp said.

Holtkamp said Iowa’s pork is better than ever. Hogs are leaner than before due to better genetics, management and breeding practices.

Moody said production sites are more environmentally sound with the construction of concrete manure storage pits and new nutrient management plans.