Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

October is National Pork Month. To celebrate, we’re sharing a few facts about this agricultural sector and how hog farmers bring home the bacon.

• Tennessee is home to an inventory of more than 305,000 hogs.
• Hogs are the eighth-largest agricultural commodity in the state.
• Whole cuts of pork should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees.
• Compared to 30 years ago, pork has 16% less fat and 27% less saturated fat.
• In 2022, pork was the most widely consumed protein in the world.
• The U.S. produces 11% of the world’s pork.
• The largest pork producer in Tennessee is Tosh Farms in Henry, and they are also the 30th-largest producer in the country.
• Pork is a great source of protein and B vitamins, including thiamin (vitamin B1), an essential nutrient required for an array of organ functions, including the brain.

See more: 5 Recipes Taking Bacon Beyond the Breakfast Table

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