By Andi Anderson
On May 7, Illinois will officially celebrate Bacon Day at the State Capitol, thanks to Senate Joint Resolution 24. Sponsored by Senators Chris Balkema, Doris Turner, Sally Turner, Craig Wilcox, Li Arellano Jr., and Representatives Kelly Cassidy and Katie Stuart, the resolution honors the contributions of Illinois pig farmers to the state’s economy and culture.
Members of the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA), along with FFA state officers and local farmers, will be present at the Capitol to serve BLT sandwiches to lawmakers and share insights into the pork industry.
Illinois ranks 4th in pork production in the U.S., producing over 6 billion slices of bacon each year. The industry supports more than 30,000 jobs and adds around $13.8 billion to the state’s economy.
To further support the pork industry, the IPPA is encouraging everyone to join the #BringHomeTheBacon challenge. Consumers are asked to include pork in their grocery carts and enjoy it at home or while dining out.
This small act can help keep demand for pork high and benefit local farms—96% of which are family-owned.
Many Illinois restaurants are joining in the celebration by offering pork specials on May 7. From Springfield to Chicago and Urbana to Galesburg, eateries like The Smoke Daddy, Black Dog Smoke & Ale House, and Obed & Isaac’s are participating.
Attending the event will be IPPA president Josh Maschhoff of Nashville, along with pork producers Cheryl Walsh, Kristi Smith, Tyler Main, Amanda Spinner, Emmalee Haege, and Phil Borgic.
Illinois Bacon Day is not only a celebration of delicious food but also a way to recognize the importance of agriculture and support hardworking farmers across the state.
Photo Credit: illinois-pork-producers-association-
Categories: Illinois, Livestock, Hogs