"The last two years have been very bad in the pork industry financially," says Tim Maiers, Illinois Pork Producers Association Director of Public Relations.  "I think folks are seeing a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel, but I think there's cautiousness with that.  We have to be realistic and realize there is still a little ways to go to make up for some of those losses."

Maiers says pork exports are getting back on track and demand for pork worldwide is increasing.

Maiers says the pork producers association is now turning its attention to a couple bills that have been introduced in the House and Senate.  "We are wanting folks to reach out and explain to members of Congress about the importance of using antibiotics in the judicious and proper way that producers do use it," says Maiers.  "The key here is that healthy animals equal healthy food.  That is the key point that we are trying to make."

"The use of antibiotics done property, done with veterinary oversight and done with FDA oversight is done with a lot of effort and a lot of planning," says Maiers.  "Ultimately we are trying to keep those animals healthy so that we can continue to have a healthy food supply too."

Maiers encourages pork producers to come out and tell their story to the media and lawmakers.  For more information you can visit their website at www.ilpork.com.