U.S. pork and beef exports wrapped up an excellent 2016 performance with very strong December results, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. Pork export volume reached a record 2.31 million metric tons (mt) in 2016, up 8 percent year-over-year and 2 percent above the previous high in 2012. Export value increased 7 percent from a year …
Growing Pork Supply Likely Means Lower Bacon Prices
You may have recently seen a story that the very high demand for bacon has driven pork belly supplies to record lows, prompting talk of a nationwide bacon shortage. But, the pork industry remains confident it can keep up with the increasing demand, and a USDA analyst debunks reports of an impending shortage. As a matter of fact, USDA livestock …
U.S. Rejection of TPP Creates Opportunities for Canada
Pork industry leaders from Canada say the rejection of the Trans-Pacific Partnership by the United States could create new export opportunities for Canada’s pork producers.
Pork Industry Says No Bacon Shortage
A very high demand for bacon has driven pork belly supplies to record lows, prompting talk of a nationwide bacon shortage. However, the pork industry remains confident it can keep up with the increasing demand and avoid a serious shortage of the product.
Record U.S. Pork Exports to Central America
When 2016 year-end results are final, U.S. pork exports to Central America will set a new record with growth achieved in all seven Central American countries. Joe Schuele has more on that story.
Maintaining Pork Exports to Canada, Mexico Critical
The National Pork Producers Council committed to work with the Trump administration to preserve tariff-free market access for U.S. pork exports to Canada and Mexico. The administration is planning to pursue trade discussions with the two countries. “As far a pork is concerned, the trade deals with Canada and Mexico have been tremendous for U.S. pork producers,” said NPPC President …
National Pork Producers Delegate Body Appointed
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the appointment of 163 producers and five importers to the 2017 National Pork Producers Delegate Body. The appointees were selected from nominees submitted by state pork producer associations and importer groups and will serve a 1-year term. The Delegate Body will be seated during the Feb. 27, 2017, to March 3, 2017, …
China’s Pork Imports Rise Along with Production Costs
By Fred Gale, USDA Economic Research Service Abstract: China has become a leading importer of pork as its hog production costs have grown. China-U.S. comparisons show that hog producers in China face higher feed and labor costs than U.S. producers, while costs of feeder pigs fluctuate from year to year in both countries. Efficiency of feed use has improved marginally …
November Pork Exports Set Record
U.S. pork exports set a monthly volume record in November, helping overall U.S. red meat exports build momentum. Both beef and pork exports were 20 percent higher than last year in both volume and value. Statistics compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation show that November pork exports totaled 225,757 metric tons, up 24 percent year-over-year and breaking the previous …
Smithfield Cutting Back on Gestation Crates
The world’s largest pork producer, Smithfield Foods, said this week they’ve moved 87 percent of their pregnant sows out of gestation crates to group housing.