The 37 largest U.S. pig producers added a total of 99,086 sows for an inventory of more than 4.2 million sows within these operations in 2022. This 2.4% increase, the greatest expansion shown in the Pork Powerhouses series since 2018, represents cautious optimism among the top pork producers in a year with record-high production costs and continued health, labor, and regulatory challenges. Higher production costs were driven by inflation and, perhaps more so, by shifts in supply and demand for various production inputs, most notably feed ingredients. Corn prices peaked at $7.38 per bushel in June 2022, according to USDA, with lower-than-expected supplies caused by war in Ukraine and drought across the Midwest. For pork producers, feed costs, which constitute about 60% of per-head costs, were up 24% in 2022 compared to 2021 and 59% compared to 2020, according to the National Pork Producers Council’s analysis of numbers from Iowa State University (ISU) Extension. Total cost of production increased 21% from 2021 to 2022.
DISEASE A SERIOUS THREAT IN 2022
While increasing costs for feed, construction, energy, transportation, and labor were on the minds of most of the large pork producers interviewed this year, several described disease as their greatest challenge in 2022. Strong consumer demand supported higher pig prices and enabled profitability most of the year. (Producers lost about $10 per head in November and $20 in December, according to ISU Extension.) However, sow farms were hit hard with diseases, especially porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), in late 2021 and spring 2022 with another surge during an abnormal time — in April and May 2022, says Terry Wolters, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) immediate past president and Stoney Creek Farms owner.
Denne historien er fra May - June 2023-utgaven av Successful Farming.
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Denne historien er fra May - June 2023-utgaven av Successful Farming.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
THE WOMAN BEHIND 'THIS FARM GIRL COOKS'
Coming up with quick, on-the-go meals is one of the many talents Deanne Frieders brings to the table.
HOW TO GROW A DOUBLE CROP OF CATTLE FEED
This Iowa farmer has perfected an annual system with four forage species that maximizes tonnage, resources, and feeding quality.
GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS
The doctrine of title by acquiescence determines the legal boundary line between two properties and overrules the boundary listed in the deeds.
TIME WELL SPENT
Senator Charles Grassley reflects on careers in farming and government.
BUILDING FARM STABILITY
This young farmer uses regenerative practices and diversification to set up his farm for the future.
THE MEXICO MAIZE
Navigating Mexico's ban of genetically modified corn.
NEVER TOO BUSY TO LEND A HAND
Between their cattle operation, crops, and off-farm jobs, Dean and Tillie Thompson have plenty to do, but they still find time to serve their community.
WHAT SHOULD THEY EXPECT?
Problem: Two parents are conflicted about meeting their kids' inheritance expectations.
TIPS FOR A SAFE HARVEST
Follow these steps to protect you and your machinery while in the field this autumn.
9 NEW DAIRY PRODUCTS
See the latest innovations displayed at World Dairy Expo.