2020 Fall Farm Outlook

PAGE 40 2020 Logan County Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS October 28, 2020 As Heartland Beef Alliance strives to establish a meat donation project for future years, they join another group of livestock producers who have been doing similar donations of pork for the past several years. Phil Ruch is a retired Logan County farmer who is working closely with a program called “The Pork Project.” The project unites three area churches and three area pork producers in a partnership to provide pork products to food pantries in the community. Ruch noted that the Pork Project began in 2012. However, prior to that there were donations being made locally through the efforts of the Pork Place, Inc. and other area producers. At that earlier time the producers donated and paid for the processing straight out of their own pockets. Three local pork producers:. The farms donate the animals. Ruch notes that the three farms: River View Farms, Paulus Farms, and Tri-Pork became the primary providers donating between 25 and 35 hogs per year for processing. Ruch acts as a sort of middleman for the project. “The farms or I will transport the hogs to Atlanta Locker, then I shuttle the meat to the food pantries. Immanuel Lutheran Church Lincoln, St. John United Church of Christ Lincoln, and St John Lutheran Church Legacy Fund Hartsburg, and other individuals support the project by paying the processing costs. Atlanta Locker generously gives a 10% discount for the project’s processing costs. Lincoln Logan Food Pantry and Community Action then distribute the one-pound packages of meat to those in need.” Ruch shared his 2019 figures for the project saying 26 hogs were donated, valued at $3,705. Monetary donations to the Pork Project from the churches and others, paid the $5,466 processing costs, and 4,383 pounds of pork were distributed to the food pantries. For Ruch the project has its own rewards, “As a retired pork producer I am happy to still be involved in pigs and pork, and helping others.” Rick Releford at the Lincoln Logan County Food Pantry is appreciative of the efforts that have been made this year and in past years by our local farmers. He noted that in addition to groups who donate there are a number of individuals from local farmers to local gardeners who help support the pantry. Meat, and a nice supply of fresh vegetables add to the quality of life for the customers at the food pantry and it is all much appreciated. So, when we see a combine in the field and we think about the grains that are being harvested, it might be nice to send out an extra little thank you to that farmer. The grains he is harvesting go not only to food products for all of us, but also into food products for animals that are then processed for the meat we eat. The giving nature is part of the work ethic of the American farmer and Logan County farmers are fine examples of this virtue, and wonderful role models for the rest of us. [Nila Smith]