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AGRICULTURE<br />
FAIRMONT AND MARTIN COUNTY AGRICULTURE<br />
BY WANDA PATSCHE OF MINNESOTA FARM LIVING<br />
Fairmont and <strong>Martin</strong> <strong>County</strong> is the home <strong>to</strong> a<br />
vibrant and sustainable agricutural environment. The<br />
county is home <strong>to</strong> over 150 pig farms. In fact,<br />
<strong>Martin</strong> <strong>County</strong> raises over 1,700,000 pigs per year,<br />
which makes it the number one hog producing county<br />
in Minnesota. That equates <strong>to</strong> over 40 million pounds<br />
of bacon each year, which is why we are the<br />
self-proclaimed Bacon Capital USA.<br />
Fairmont and the surrounding community uses the<br />
Bacon Capital designation as a way <strong>to</strong> have fun and<br />
showcase local pig farming. If you are visiting the area,<br />
you may just run in<strong>to</strong> “Marty the Pig” the Bacon<br />
Capital’s mascot!<br />
You may see pig statues placed outside businesses<br />
around the county. “Going Hog Wild” is a community initiative that was developed <strong>to</strong> share<br />
what makes our county a great place <strong>to</strong> visit and call home. You won’t have <strong>to</strong> look far <strong>to</strong><br />
find them as there is a goal <strong>to</strong> have 100 by the end of 2023. Feel free <strong>to</strong> take a picture with<br />
your favorite one!<br />
Another way <strong>to</strong> celebrate pork in <strong>Martin</strong> <strong>County</strong> is by using the county’s very own <strong>Martin</strong><br />
<strong>County</strong> Magic Seasoning. It is a great seasoning for all types of pork cuts as well as other<br />
foods and meats. It is available at local grocery s<strong>to</strong>res. The seasoning is popular and is used<br />
across the U.S. Just another way that puts <strong>Martin</strong> <strong>County</strong> on the map.<br />
Pigs are not the only thing we<br />
raise in <strong>Martin</strong> <strong>County</strong>. Corn<br />
and soybeans are paramount<br />
<strong>to</strong> the county’s ag economy.<br />
<strong>Martin</strong> <strong>County</strong> is the home <strong>to</strong><br />
fertile soils. In fact, many refer<br />
<strong>to</strong> the county as a garden spot<br />
for crops due <strong>to</strong> the productive<br />
soils. Corn is primarily raised<br />
for lives<strong>to</strong>ck feed and ethanol.<br />
<strong>Martin</strong> <strong>County</strong> is the home <strong>to</strong><br />
two ethanol plants, Green Plains<br />
and Valero.<br />
62<br />
Visi<strong>to</strong>r and Relocation <strong>Guide</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Martin</strong> <strong>County</strong> | l <strong>2024</strong>-<strong>2025</strong><br />
2023-<strong>2024</strong> www.fairmontchamber.org