Entering the hog business hasn't been easy. Amid a swirl of controversy that led to a state moratorium on corporate hog operations, Hitch has found himself under fire from various anti-hog factions across the state. To me, it's been totally unwarranted. Hitch is a high-profile target. That makes me a bigger target.
Critics claim large hog operators are endangering the environment.
Hitch said science, not emotion, should determine environmental regulations. Yes, there have been mistakes made, but nobody has found problems with the water supply because of hogs. Hitch said hog producers badly needed to polish their image. However, Hitch said he hasn't heard grumbling from his fellow cattleman. The region is a perfect match for the hog industry, Hitch said, with its semi-arid climate, plentiful grain production, low population density, deep ground water supply and lack of lakes and rivers to pollute through runoff.