Pork may be selling at ridiculously low prices in your local grocery store, but the value of pork production in the state of Minnesota is incredible.
The impact of the 15 million hogs produced in Minnesota and how that impacts other aspects of the agricultural market is, as stated before, INCREDIBLE!
Value-added to corn and soybeans (Information from the Minnesota Pork Board Association printed materials)
•First, the crops provide an excellent, locally grown feed for hogs.
•Secondly, the acres where corn and soybeans grow are replenished with nutrients that are naturally found in swine manure.
•In 2008, Minnesota hogs ate 169 million bushels of corn and 60 million bushels of soybeans.
•A hog will eat about 3.8 bushels of soybeans in its lifetime. The soybeans are consumed as soybean meal; and ideal feed for swine because of its high protein content.
•The average pig will consume 10.5 bushels of corn in its lifetime.
Value- As soil fertilizer
The nutrients found in swine manure are important to Minnesota crop production. These nutrients add beneficial fertilizers and organic matter to the soils on which farmers grow their crops.
University of Minnesota research shows significant economic and environmental benefits from using swine manure as a fertilizer.
• A 12-year-long university research project found that swine fertilizer produces a significant yield advantage for corn when compared to using synthetic, commercial fertilizers. This means that swine manure helps corn growers increase their profits through higher yields and reduce their fertilizer costs.
•Another University of Minnesota study highlights the environmental benefits of using swine manure. The research shows that the organic compounds in swine manure:
•Help build and maintain soil structure which aids soils’ ability to hold water.
•Improves soil aeration.
•Reduces soil erosion.
Support pork producers here in Watonwan County during Pork month. Buy pork products, they are a great value and good for you!
St. James, MN —
