Pork farmers are lovin’ it: McRib sandwich returns

INDIANAPOLIS — Agriculture and state leaders came together with McDonald’s owners and operators to celebrate the return of the McRib sandwich.

Paul Jedele, who is an Indiana McDonald’s owner and operator, said his connection with McDonald’s started when his dad got involved working with McDonald’s back in the 1960s.

In 2018, the McDonald’s system purchased more than $34 million worth of products from Indiana farmers, including 4.5 million pounds of pork.

“Farming and ag business is a big part of the economy,” Jedele said, adding that McDonald’s is a huge global enterprise and employs around 21,000 people in the state of Indiana.

Jedele said 2020 has brought unique challenges, but McDonald’s has tried to stay up on it by creating 50 new procedures to reduce the chance of exposure to COVID-19 for employees and guests.

Jeanette Merritt, director of checkoff programs for Indiana Pork, said there are 3,000 pig farmers in the state and Indiana ranks fifth overall in the nation for pork production, employing 15,000 people.

“The past 10 months have been different, but raising hogs hasn’t stopped,” Merritt said.

Merritt said the fast food breakfast market is down since a lot of people are working from home and not grabbing a quick breakfast on the way to the office, which means they are not getting ham or bacon. She said that is why the McRib being back is such a big deal for pork farmers.

Merritt said Indiana farmers take pride in the care of their animals, which is why promotions like the McRib are so important.

Jedele said that on the first day of selling the McRib he sold more in one day than he has in the last five years.

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch said promotions and relationships between McDonald’s and Indiana pork farmers are about the future because McDonald’s has been a longtime supporter of Indiana agriculture.