Video shows that from the farm field to the football field, hard work is part of the recipe to bring home a winner.

ST. LOUIS (January 23, 2014) - As millions of Americans gather around their televisions on the first Sunday in February, there's one star that's already a winner even before the kickoff. Whether it's a main ingredient, an appetizer or simply a garnish, bacon is the standout star of any dish. But, there's a side of the bacon story that most Americans aren't so familiar with.

Just like a conditioned star athlete, a lot of hard work, dedication and countless hours go into making sure the bacon found in fan-favorite recipes is top quality.

For example, modern animal housing provides a well ventilated, warm (a must-have for those cold, snowy days) and clean home where the pigs receive a diet that meets their specific nutritional needs. And these are just a few of the ways that pig farmers across the country are dedicated to making sure the bacon on your table, and theirs, is a top pick. Check out this video to learn more.

"Our pigs are our highest priority on our farm," says Jennifer Debnam, a pig farmer from Kennedyville, Md. "We constantly have to be at the top of our game, using the latest technologies and advancements in animal health. No matter the weather, time of day or time of year, we make sure that our pigs are healthy and well taken care of - not only for the well-being of the pig, but so that you never have to worry about bacon being available at the grocery store."

Want a glimpse at what goes into producing America's favorite pork product? Check out "The Truth Behind Bacon." You might be surprised to learn that the story begins long before you pick out a package of bacon at the grocery store.

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

Have a question about other food besides bacon? Find CommonGround online:

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Apply now to see results of your checkoff investment ST. LOUIS (Jan. 6, 2014) - When a farmer unloads soybeans at the elevator after harvest, it may seem like the end of a long journey

Shipments of whole soybeans, meal, oil hold steady to meet customer needs ST. LOUIS (December 10, 2013) - The U.S. soy industry has done it again, exporting an eye-popping 1.7 billion bushels of U.S. soy

New directors sworn in, new leadership elected at annual meeting ST. LOUIS (December 6, 2013) - With the growth in soybean acres, the United Soybean Board (USB) has added a new farmer-leader. That new director,

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