Ethanol Concerns Some Hog Farmers

DES MOINES, Iowa - Conventional wisdom would tell you the higher corn prices go, the better off Iowa Farmers are. However, some farmers said that isn't the case.
calendar icon 12 June 2006
clock icon 2 minute read
Mike Siwinsky sold hogs Saturday at the World Pork Expo at the Iowa State Fair Grounds. He said his business is suffering as ethanol production increases and corn supplies drop.

"My bottom line is going down in the toliet because it's costing me more to feed my hogs, and the prices on hogs are going down," said Siwinsky.

Not every hog farmer thinks the higher corn prices are a bad thing. Earl Caine said high corn prices help the hog market

"I think the ethanol thing is a good thing," said Caine. "I also think the corn prices ultimately will help the hog prices and keep us making money on hogs. It always has."

Siwinsky is not convinced.

"What concerns me more is what they're saying for next year when all these ethanol plants are in full boom now all that corn is gonna be gone," Siwinsky said.

Source: KCCI
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