This time of year is when Iowa pork producers see a large inventory of hogs, as consumers cut back on backyard barbeques. The latest reports show a record number of hogs. Greg Hora of Fort Dodge, president of the Iowa Pork Producers, says despite recent trade tariffs that hurt prices, producers remain optimistic the world wants U-S pork as sow herds expand in Iowa and elsewhere.
New trade agreements have recently been signed between the U-S and Mexico, Canada and Japan, while Hora hopes an agreement with China can soon be reached. The fifth largest buyer of American pork is South Korea.
Iowa ranks first in the nation for pork production with more than 22-million head statewide.
