According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Arizona’s pork industry ranges from a low of $33 million in cash receipts (2017) to as high as $60 million. And, over the course of time, the ebbs and flows in the pork industry are significant.

One person can explain it all, Arizona Pork Council Executive Director Tom Miller. Recently, we had him on the Rosie on the House KTAR radio show Saturday morning. This is what we learned.

First Segment (12 minutes)

Second Segment (6 minutes)

Third Segment (12 minutes)

Fourth Segment (6 minutes)

On a global scale, pork is one of the most widely eaten meats. But beyond the tasty pork cuts, insulin and about 40 other medicines are made from pigs. While Kansas, Iowa and other Midwest states might have hundreds of family-owned pig farms, Arizona has only one commercial pig farm up north in Navajo county.

Today, pigs are kept inside in climate-controlled environments for health, comfort, safety, food, and water.

While Arizona’s pig industry might be minor compared to our neighbors in the Midwest, it is significant, and it should be celebrated. Thanks to Tom Miller, our story is still being told.

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