Dave Lambert, president of Carroll County Pork Producers, announces that the Pork Producers organization has dissolved, but its traditions will be carried on through the Carroll County Agriculture Association.

"We have joined the newly formed CCAA," Lambert said. "All of our assets, manpower, and responsibilities are now combined and devoted to CCAA."

"The CCAA will continue to support our community just as the CCPP always has in the past," Lambert added.

He particularly mentioned cooking events, such as the 4-H Fair, Bacon Bowl, and Ag Day, and the Carroll County Agriculture Hall of Fame, as activities that will continue.

"Since there are only 10 farmers in the county who own their own hogs, and 50 who have contract hogs, it has been a struggle to find enough help with the cooking events," Lambert said.

The Carroll County Ag Association hosted its first cooking event recently, cooking from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

"It was extremely successful," Lambert said. "We had seven or eight volunteers per shift (three shifts total), cooking and serving all day. This is compared to the same two or three volunteers cooking all day for the Carroll County Pork Producers."

Hog farmers of the county organized as the Carroll County Pork Producers Council in 1968. It was formed as a branch of the Carroll County Livestock Breeders and Seed Producers Association.

Through the years, the organization developed into its own entity, Carroll County Pork Producers, and became known for its community activities and contributions.

Lambert has been involved in CCPP for the last 22 years, as president or another officer. He's been in charge of cooking for the last 15 years.

"I am very proud of my fellow pork producers in this county," Lambert said.

He stated that in the last 22 years, CCPP has given more than $400,000 back to the community, including scholarships, cash donations, Christmas Baskets, 4-H Fair, etc.

"I just want to say 'thank you' to everyone who has volunteered their time, services, and donations toward making CCPP successful," Lambert said.

He reiterated that all the CCPP efforts will continue, but now as part of the Ag Association.

Lambert also pointed out that CCAA encompasses much more than pork producer interests.

"It involves anything to do with farming, livestock, ag industry, etc.," he said.

He encourages everyone involved in agriculture to join the CCAA by contacting Ag Extension Educator Paul Marcellino at 765-564-3169 or email, pmarcellino@ purdue.edu.