Missouri Designated October as Official Pork Month

State agriculture officials recognized the industry's economic impact and its significance to local hog producers.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Agriculture

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a heavy-duty steel livestock trough, representing the economic significance of Missouri's hog industry. — Governor Mike Kehoe officially designated October as Pork Month, honoring the industry's role as a cornerstone of Missouri's agricultural economy. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Governor Mike Kehoe has officially proclaimed October as Pork Month in Missouri. The designation highlights a sector that remains a cornerstone of the state agricultural economy.

Why it matters

The recognition underscores the political and economic focus placed on Missouri’s position as a major national hog producer. For operators in the supply chain, this status reflects the industry’s ongoing influence on local agricultural investment and market stability.

Missouri maintains an inventory of 3.3 million hogs, supporting an industry that contributes nearly $2.2 billion to the state economy. This volume secures the state’s position as the seventh-largest hog producer in the United States.

The players

Mike Kehoe

The Governor of Missouri who issued the formal proclamation for the designation.

Missouri Pork Association

The trade organization representing the interests of hog producers and processors across the state.

The details

The Missouri Department of Agriculture marked the designation during a presentation in Hermann, where leadership accepted the formal proclamation. This move acknowledges the scale of state production and the integration of hog operations within the broader Missouri agricultural landscape.

October is officially designated as Pork Month.
The proclamation was presented in Hermann on October 5, 2026.

Market Landscape

Official state designations regarding commodity sectors are common tools used to highlight localized economic contributions. These initiatives often track with national production data, such as those published under the USDA’s inventory reporting standards.

Operators in the agricultural and food supply sectors should monitor the state's production metrics as indicators of regional commodity price volatility. Long-term planning should account for how state-level prioritization affects infrastructure support and local market access.

The takeaway

The designation highlights the enduring importance of hog production to Missouri's overall economic health. Producers should track state-level policy announcements for potential changes to agricultural compliance or support programs in upcoming budget cycles.