How has science and technology impacted what farmers are doing to raise food? How has it changed the food we eat? Take pork for example, 30 years ago, not many people could have imagined pork would today be among the leanest meats available. Students at Cannon County High School will find out how farmers have used agricultural science and technology to change pork on Friday, March 7. Phyllis Ferguson of the Tennessee Pork Producers Association will address students starting at 7:45 a.m. and continuing through 1:40 p.m. at the high school located at 1 Lion Drive in Woodbury.

Titled “Today’s Pork,” the class presentation by Ferguson will highlight how farmers have changed how they raise pigs to meet consumers’ demand for lean, nutritious, and safe food. “Farmers have been working continuously to change how they raise pigs for the better,” said Ferguson. “They’ve been able to make great progress in animal health, food quality and protecting the environment using advancements in agricultural science and technology.” For example, a USDA study found pork tenderloin is as lean as a skinless chicken breast and the American Heart Association has certified it as a heart-healthy food.

“Modern barns, a focus on nutrition and animal care mean pigs live healthier lives than ever before,” said Ferguson. “And, healthy pigs mean healthy food. I’d like to thank Cannon County High School for giving me an opportunity to share with these students what farmers are doing to make sure safe and healthy food gets to their dinner table today and in the future.”

There are 68,000 pork producers in the United States. The industry generates more than a half million jobs and produces more than $21 billion in personal income each year.