By MEGGIE I. FOSTER
Assistant Editor

GREENFIELD, Ind. — Amid looming moratoriums on livestock farms and animal welfare lawsuits, the National Pork Board continues its ongoing effort to communicate the economic importance of U.S. hog farms with local communities across the country.

In fact, in central Indiana – heart of pork country – Ron Orebaugh of Muncie recently stepped up to the plate and shared his farm story and perspective on modern pork production practices in Greenfield.

“A little-known fact: Farmers were actually one of the first environmentalists there ever was; we take very good care of the soil, water and land because we live there and our business depends on it,” said Orebaugh during an early morning meeting of the Rotary Club of Greenfield on April 8.

Orebaugh, who participates in the National Pork Board Speakers Bureau, owns and operates a 30-sow purebred hog operation in Delaware County, where he raises show pigs for area youth while also venturing into the catering business, where he specializes in barbequed pork – of course.

“Like other industries facing strong competitive pressures, we’re working to constantly improve our ability to provide tasty,
affordable and nutritious pork products in a responsible manner,” he remarked. “I’d like to thank the Greenfield Rotary Club for giving me an opportunity to discuss how pork producers are providing quality pork products, benefiting the local economy and being responsible neighbors.”

A longtime farmer, Orebaugh showcased the industry’s rural economic impact and explained ongoing programs that enhance the nutritional quality of pork to protect the environment and to treat livestock more humanely. He mentioned that U.S. pork producers have trimmed pork’s fat content by 31 percent since 1983.

“I encourage you to be more aware of pork production now, especially when you’re driving down (Interstate) 70 and you smell something in the air – remember your breakfast earlier and how delicious the bacon or cheese omelet you had was,” Orebaugh said, smiling. “Even though there are not as many hogs as there used to be, they are still very important.”

Orebaugh is one of 68,000 pork producers in the United States and one of more than 3,000 pork producers in Indiana, according to National Pork.

“As a farmer, I purchase insurance, electricity, newspapers and most of my farm supplies, all locally,” he commented, addressing the many business owners and managers of the Greenfield Rotary Club. “I’m the second biggest taxpayer in my township; the first is a dairy farm.”

Orebaugh further explained the cycle of hog production; how pork products end up on breakfast plates; that pigskin is used for scar treatment, pig hair for expensive hairbrushes for women and the role hogs play in providing insulin for diabetics.

“We’re way too efficient, but undeniably economically valuable to the entire world,” he added.

Local perspective

Although not a Rotary Club member, John Priore, candidate for Hancock County commissioner, attended Orebaugh’s presentation “to learn more and ask some questions.

“The public is becoming more aware of how economically viable farms are to local communities, but you’ve got to go out and find out for yourself, you can’t believe everything you see on TV,” he commented.

Priore said he hoped to find out more about pork production in response to a proposed confined feeding operation (CFO) facing quite a lot of local concern from a collection of Blue River Township residents in Hancock County.

The group’s number-one worry focuses on a proposed farm expected to raise between 16,000-24,000 hogs per year. He said the group wants tighter restrictions and more local control beyond Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) regulations.

“There (are) two sides to every story, the county should be involved earlier, there should be a better opportunity to communicate with the farmer and IDEM,” he said.

Because the proposed operation will be within the county’s zoned use for the land, Priore said the commissioners have little to no authority over its construction. He said the commissioners have established a study group, however, which includes farmers, business professionals and public health officials, all hoping to find a solution to Hancock county zoning and land use issues, particularly with respect to the proposed farm’s impact on air quality and infrastructure.

“If ordinances need to be changed, this committee will discuss that and will have to come to an agreement,” Priore remarked. “This is a good first step by our commissioners.”

He said he hopes more livestock producers will come forward and share their story with local community members.

“Farmers definitely need to be proactive with the general public, especially their neighbors. I think it’s great that Ron came out here to educate the non-farm community,” said Priore.

A Blue River Township member himself, the candidate said, “A balance has to be reached in our community. I was actually hoping to see a few more Blue River residents at this meeting. It was a great meeting; I feel like I’ve learned a lot.”