Are new markets key to relieving U.S. of excess pork?

by | Jan 26, 2017 | 5 Ag Stories, News

by Ben Nuelle

The U.S. saw a record number of hogs slaughtered in 2016. Packing capacity was at 2.5 million. This means more pork. What is the answer of getting rid of it?

Greg Hora is President-Elect of the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

He says new markets are important for moving all of this extra U.S pork.

?As you look at some of our friendly trading partners. We market about 85% of our pork to 20 countries which leaves about 170 other countries around the world that we have some opportunities with.?

He says you have to friendly relationships with countries.

?We have very favorable relationships with Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and the China market because that is where our large population of the world is coming from along with economic improvements.?

Hora says this ensures customers understand what U.S. producers are growing is a safe healthy product.