During the past year and a half, China has culled 20 percent of its hog herd, which has sent prices higher and boosted pork producers profit margins. It also provides U.S. pork producers great potential for exporting product to them. Iowa Pork Producers President, Dave Struthers who farms in Story County says while there are challenges, the prospects are very good for added business.

Struthers says the U.S. is in a good position to supply China with their pork needs.

It’s possible the Chinese could start expanding their own domestic hog herds, but with consumption going down far less than production, that could open up the possibility of more product being exported to China.