09-05-2025
From the Farm: Illinois Pork Producers celebrate Bacon Day at State Capitol
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — There was plenty of bacon at the Illinois State Capitol on Wednesday. The Illinois Pork Producers was celebrating Illinois Bacon Day.
President Josh Maschhoff was thanking lawmakers all day long.
'We appreciate Senator Balkema (R-Chanaahon) bringing a resolution to the floor to establish May 7, 2025, as Illinois Bacon Day, officially,' Maschhoff said. 'The pitch is not all just about bringing home the bacon, but it's about the importance of pork farmers to the Illinois economy and the jobs that they contribute to this state.'
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There are about 30,000 Illinois jobs just to produce pork. The processing and distribution side of the industry adds another 20,000 to 30,000 jobs. Altogether, the pork industry contributes $13.8 billion to the Illinois economy each year.
Senator Balkema, who grew up on a hog farm, brought the resolution establishing Illinois Bacon Day a few weeks ago, and he had bipartisan support in doing so.
'I'm very proud to honor the Illinois Pork Producing Association,' Balkema said. 'They add a ton of value to our community, and it was wonderful to highlight them in the resolution.'
He called it the easiest bill he's ever brought to the floor.
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