By TIM ALEXANDER
Illinois Correspondent

SPRINGFIELD, Ill — Do you know the particulars about pork production? The Illinois Pork Producers Assoc. (IPPA) wants to test that knowledge.

IPPA is offering weekly pork prizes and a deluxe “Illinois Blue Ribbon Holiday Pork Package” to those who can answer trivia about the pork industry to visitors on its new and improved website, www.ilpork.com

Consider this question: No other animal provides society with a wider range of products than the hog, hence the saying, “We use everything but the oink.” However, which of the following is NOT one of the many uses of the hog?*

A) Hog heart valves are used to replace human heart valves
B) Their eyes are given to people with seeing disabilities
C) Insulin from pigs is used in the treatment of diabetes
D) Skin from hogs is used to treat severe burn victims

The correct answer to that question could have netted your family one of the IPPA’s weekly Illinois State Fair packages last week, and an entry into the organization’s grand prize, in honor of October’s National Pork Month. More trivia and opportunities to win the grand prize await savvy Web surfers.

“Pork producers are proud to provide safe and wholesome food and are excited to celebrate National Pork Month by giving away what they take such care to produce,” said Jim Kaitschuk, IPPA executive director, in a press release.

“We encourage everyone to visit www.ilpork.com to sign up for the weekly ‘Pork Pack’ drawing, to search our newly redesigned website for information about pork and its role as part of a healthy diet and to learn more about the commitment Illinois pork producing families have to caring for their animals, their farms and their communities.”

Erin Cleary, IPPA director of marketing and education, added, “Consumers can use the site to get information about pork’s lean profile, find recipes and learn about modern pork production, while pork producers will find the latest research, market news and educational programs important to their farms.”

To try for one of IPPA’s pork packs, visit IPPA’s website and click on the “It’s PORKalicious Baby” link.

The grand prize drawing will be held Oct. 31 and includes 30 ground pork burgers, 12 America’s Cut pork chops, 18 butterfly pork chops and one six-pound boneless honey-glazed ham. Shipping is included.

*(By the way, the answer to the pork trivia question was B.)