US pork producers enjoy higher sales
US - Pork producers in the US are enjoying a boost in sales. In 2004, they sold about 9.299 million tonnes of pork, an increase from about 9.026 million tonnes the previous year, according to the University of Missouri. Year 2004 is the last year for which figures are available.
9 January 2006
2 minute read
According to Steve Meyer, a consultant for the National Pork Producers Council, much of the boost is due to a rise in exports.
US beef imports were banned in several countries because there was an outbreak of mad cow disease in US cattle farms. As an alternative, US pork saw an increase in sales. This was aided by the weak US dollar overseas.
Japan is the largest importer of US pork, followed by Mexico and Canada.
Meyer said exports rose by 30 percent to about 725,748 tonnes in 2004. He added the popularity of low-carbohydrate diets has helped in the rise of domestic consumption.
The nation's biggest pork producers are Iowa with about 15 million pigs, North Carolina with 9 million and Minnesota with about 6.5 million.
Source: eFeedLink - 9th January 2006
