St. Charles Kiwanis to hear why farmers need science, technology to produce healthier food

How are farmers using science and technology to raise healthier pigs today? How is it impacting animal care, our food and the environment? Those questions will be answered on Tuesday, Nov. 25, during the St. Charles Noon Kiwanis Club meeting.

Cathy Richardson of High Plains Pork in Winslow, Ill., will address the group at noon in the community room at the PNC Bank, 2600 E. Main St. in St. Charles.

Titled "The Pork Industry: More Than Just the Other White Meat," the speech by Richardson will highlight how and why pork has changed dramatically, the industry's impact on the rural economy, and ongoing programs to raise healthier pigs and protect the environment. Farmers now use 41 percent less water and 78 percent less land to raise pigs than they did 50 years ago.

"Today's farms combine the best of traditional farming methods with the benefits of better animal health and nutrition, and modern barns," Richardson said. "That's why today's pork is safer, leaner and better for you than ever before in our nation's history. For example, pork tenderloin is now as lean as a skinless chicken breast. I'd like to thank the St. Charles Noon Kiwanis Club for giving me an opportunity to share how farmers are continuously working to change how they raise pigs for the better."

Richardson says the pork industry in Illinois contributes more than $1.7 billion annually to the state's economy, generates more than $136 million in taxes and supports more than 7,800 jobs.