The Patriotic Duty of the Pig
With the nation facing a severe meat shortage during the Great War, local agricultural officials pushed Benton County farmers to increase hog production, framing the effort as a vital sacrifice for soldiers.
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In parts of Benton county there is probably not more than five to ten per cent of the hogs raised that were raised three years ago. There is no argument about the farmers being justified in discontinuing pork production when they did, but the war is getting closer to home. If the time should come that we would be asked to produce pork and only break even on it, or even sacrifice a few dollars, no one would dare complain of his sacrifice when he is asking the soldiers to sacrifice what they are to protect the country. Our soldiers have to have meat, and the country is facing a great shortage. The agricultural office will make a special effort to assist anyone in getting brood sows or pigs and it is in a position to assist them materially in planning a feeding ration that will make pork production profitable.
“If the time should come that we would be asked to produce pork and only break even on it... no one would dare complain of his sacrifice.”
This reflects the intense civic pressure placed on local food production during World War I. Today, Benton County is a hub for industrial-scale agriculture, but this era highlights how 'local, sustainable food' was once a mandate of national survival.
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