The Texas Pork Producers Association (TPPA) is celebrating National Pork Month (October) by honoring the past and present of the state’s pork industry. Established in 1889, TPPA is a historical pillar and a dynamic force in Texas’s agricultural landscape. Since its inception, TPPA has strived to serve the best interests of those involved in the pork industry by implementing programs designed to protect the livelihood of its members, enhance the value of swine and pork products, and increase the awareness and education of the pork industry to the public.
TPPA is the second oldest livestock organization in Texas when it was originally established as the Texas Swine Breeders Association. For 135 years, the association has been a beacon for the pork industry to enhance the cohesiveness of all Texas pork producers. Through the mission of education, advocacy, and promotion, TPPA serves the state through educational seminars, youth activities, and livestock shows that provide members with essential information and expertise in pork production.
Backed by generations of family farms, youth, and commercial and show pig producers, the Texas pork is diverse in how it serves the pork industry. The pork industry in Texas is a vital component of the state’s agricultural economy, contributing significantly to overall economic activity. With approximately 7,207 jobs in Texas connected to various facets of the pork value chain—from suppliers and producers to processors and integral businesses—the industry’s reach extends far beyond the farm.
Hog inventories have increased from 920,000 head in 2000 to 1.17 million head by the end of 2023. Different production systems, such as farrow-to-finish, breed-to-wean, and wean-to-finish, operate within Texas, each contributing differently to the economy. In 2023, hog marketings generated $360.44 million in gross cash receipts, illustrating only a fraction of the total economic influence of the pork sector. Texas currently ranks 14th in pork production.
The Texas pork industry is unique in the sense of its youth involvement. In 2023, Texas FFA and 4-H had 30,107 swine projects to exhibit at Texas major shows. Through the Certified Texas Bred Registry program, TPPA interacts with thousands of youth each year. In addition, the association hosts programs and events for youth to learn about the opportunities available within the pork industry.
Varying in size and scope, Texas pork serves the state and industry in a multitude of ways. With a 135-year legacy of education, advocacy, and promotion, the Texas Pork Producers Association looks forward to continuing to serve the industry for many years to come.
To learn more about the pork industry, visit www.porkcheckoff.org.