The Impact and Sustainability of Missouri Pork

Missouri's pig farmers really know how to bring home the bacon - literally. According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, in 2016, agriculture, forestry and related industries contributed $88.4 billion of the state's economy. Pork production alone had about a $1 billion impact on Missouri's bottom line. For this episode of OUTdrive, Cliff sat down with Don Nikodim, Executive Director of the Missouri Pork Producers Association, to dive into the meat of this industry.  In his nearly 40 years at MPPA, Don has helped expand pork promotion, education and public policy efforts in Missouri. Earlier this year, Don won the Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award, which recognizes the outstanding leadership and commitment of state pork organization executives. Don has been connected to the pork industry his whole life. Originally from El Dorado Springs, Missouri, he grew up on a diversified farm that included a 30-head sow herd. He went on to earn a degree from the University of Missouri in Agriculture, specializing in Animal Science, Ag Economics and Education. Don had a short stint with the Poland China Swine Record Association and spent a few years teaching high school agriculture classes before starting his role at Missouri Pork in 1983. Tune into this episode to find out what goes into making Missouri the 7th highest-pork producing state in the nation.  What you'll learn:  Don's background growing up on a diversified farm in El Dorado Springs and how it led to pursuing a career in the pork industry How the pork industry plays into Missouri's main economic driver, agriculture The role that Missouri Pork plays in the Missouri State Fair The types of research Missouri Pork does to better understand the pork consumer The initiatives Don has been involved with over the years that had the most impact Don's day-to-day responsibilities as Executive Director and how it varies What it's like working with the people of rural America on a daily basis The innovation, trends, and refined production processes in the agriculture industry