What choices are farmers making to raise food today? How is it impacting animal care, our food and the environment? Those questions will be answered on May 19 during the Cloverleaf Lions Club meeting in Albert Lea. Mark Engesser, doctor of veterinary medicine, of ME Swine Services in Rose Creek, will address the group at 6 p.m. at the Big Island Bar & Grill, 2306 E. Main St.

Titled “The Pork Industry: More Than Just the Other White Meat,” the speech by Engesser will highlight how and why pork has changed so dramatically, the industry’s impact on the rural economy and the use of science and technology to raise healthier pigs and protect the environment. Engesser said farmers now use 41 percent less water and 78 percent less land to raise pigs than they did 50 years ago.

“Today’s farms combine the best of traditional farming methods with the benefits of better animal health and nutrition and modern barns,” Engesser remarked. “That’s why today’s pork is safer, leaner and better for you than ever before in our nation’s history.  For example, pork tenderloin is now as lean as a skinless chicken breast. I’d like to thank the Cloverleaf Lions Club for giving me an opportunity to share how farmers are continuously working to change how they raise pigs for the better.”

Engesser said Minnesota pork production generates $7.8 billion of economic activity in the state, and provides Minnesota residents with over 22,500 direct and support jobs.