’Tis the season.

I’m the last guy who wants to rush from Thanksgiving straight into Christmas; personally, I’d prefer the Turkey Day aura to last a lot longer, but I realize there is no holding back radio stations and retail centers from jumping into yuletide cheer.

One facet that I can get behind is the pleasure of giving, and the National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council and state pork associations are once again in the spirit of the season with the Hams Across America campaign. The 10-year-old We Care program stresses how much pork producers care, not only about their animals and the environment in which they live, but also the community that envelopes them. Hams Across America allows everyone to get involved by purchasing a ham and paying it forward to loved ones or those in need.

Here at National Hog Farmer, we of course tell stories of producers and industry leaders who work endless hours all year long to make the industry better through better facilities, better care and the latest innovations to produce the best pork product in the world.

But, we also like to take time to recognize those who go beyond to share the wealth of their bounty. During this holiday season we will be sharing examples of what individuals, organizations and farm systems are doing to help those in need in specific areas. While we will probably recieve some press releases on your giving, others may be too humble to tell their story. I respect those who wish to fly below the radar, but we also feel it is important to tell the stories of how the industry gives back to the communities.

Related:Spreading holiday cheer one ham at a time

So, please keep National Hog Farmer in mind as you are extending a helping hand this season, and let myself or Ann Hess know about your giving. You deserve to be recognized for your generosity.

As I’ve heard many times, when producers are told to share their stories with the public: They don’t care how much we know, until they know how much we care. Help us show how much the industry, and you, care.

Thanks for giving, and thanks for caring.