Since the 90s…

Any guesses on how the US hog industry has changed since the 90s? Recent research conducted by the USDA's Economic Research Service has an answer to that. Since that period:

• The overall number of farms has declined.
• The industry has moved to more specialized operations. 
• There’s been productivity growth, structural change, and expanded exports.  
• The percentage of hogs produced under contractual arrangements has grown.
• The number of independent operations has decreased.
• Exports have increased.
• The Southeast has increased the number of hogs produced, and North Carolina is no longer the leader, now ranking third in the nation.  

As for estimates for the future, here’s what’s expected:

• Livestock, poultry, dairy, and beef exports are predicted to decrease because of tight U.S. supplies, while pork exports are set to rise as higher volumes offset lower unit sales. Pork variety meats should be lower, though.

The White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health will be held on September 28 in Washington, D.C., and will assemble politicians and thought leaders. The goal is to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases in the country by 2030 – recent developments in the pork industry should also be among the issues that will be addressed. 

• The White House plans to announce a national strategy to address the intersections between food, hunger, nutrition, and health.
• The last conference of this type was held over 50 years ago.