Porktober has finally arrived. The tenth month of the year is designated as National Pork Month, acknowledging the time of year when the most hogs were traditionally marketed. Today, October is a month to celebrate America’s pig farmers’ hard work. Although every month is pork month on the farm, the national recognition is a good opportunity to share more about real pig farming.

Here are five ways pig farmers can share all things pork during Porktober.

1. Get social: Open the barn doors. We know you are busy every day in the barn and you have a big job to do raising pork for the global table. However,  most consumers do not know what happens behind the barn doors every day. Social media is a good way to share more about the daily activities of real pig farming without breaking biosecurity protocol. Challenge yourself to post a story on one of your social media channels once a week or, even better, each day.

2. Volunteer: Perhaps, your state or local pork organization arranged a National Pork Month event. It is that simple, get involved. Tailgate activities or sharing pork samples is an excellent way to spark a conversation about pork.

3. Share a favorite pork meal: Everyone has to eat, and strong emotions are linked with the food we consume. Sharing a meal with pork at the center of the plate, the neighbor or new friend is a great way to showcase the proper way to prepare pork. Whether you bundle it up and drop it off or sit down around the table together, it creates another chance to tell your real pig farming story.

4. Word of mouth: Have your five-minute speech ready. You work hard every day in the barn as the pig caretakers, but sometimes it’s hard to put into words what you do every day on the farm. Everyday conversations happen all the time at the coffee shop, football game or line to pick up your kids. How many times do hear someone say “what am I going to make for supper.” There it is your chance to share a quick, delicious pork dish. Try this: “I raise pork, and as mom (or dad) I find a quick, easy meal is ……….” Often, keeping it simple and short is the best way to communicate with a consumer and build trust.

5. Hook ’em on bacon: Remember, if nothing else works, start with bacon and follow with ham, pork chop, pork burger, etc.