Opportunities and challenges for the pig industry: NPPC talks about what lies ahead for American pig farmers

Of the 613,000 jobs supported by pork production:

• 28% work in the service sector

• 26% of manufacturing jobs

• 20% related to agriculture

• 10% are engaged in wholesale and retail trade

• 8% - transport and utilities

• 7% falls on finance, insurance, real estate, construction and other industries

 The number of jobs in each sector represents what could be lost if pig farming is removed from the US economy, according to the NPPC .

Other findings noted in the report include:

After declining by 2.5% in 2022, the USDA projects growth in pork production for 2023.

Domestic demand for pork has been exceptionally strong over the past two years, helping to support farm-level hog prices. Maintaining strength in 2023 will depend on several factors.

Retail pork prices increased by 1.5% from December 2021 to 2022.

The cost of raising pigs was a record high in 2022, up 21% from the previous year. The NPPC said it will likely remain elevated in 2023.

Labor market conditions and changing demographics exacerbate labor shortages in rural areas.

“The American pig industry is the backbone of the US economy, supporting jobs, sales, and value-added activities throughout the pork supply chain,” Laurie Stevermer, NPPC vice president and pork producer based in Easton, Minnesota, said in a press release. It is important to raise awareness of the economic contribution of pork production and highlight the current economic and political issues affecting the success of producers.”