Pork production will see moderate increases in 2013, according to forecasts from the US Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service.
Several factors are behind the trend, according to ERS. Small increases in farrowings and continued strong sow productivity gains, together with higher average dressed weights due to lower feed costs are expected to culminate in a moderate increase in pork production for 2013. US commercial pork production is forecast at 23.8 billion lbs., an increase of 2.3 percent over 2012, ERS said.
ERS also expects US pork exports to show moderate growth in 2013. Pork exports are forecast at 5.4 billion lbs., an increase of close to 1.8 percent over 2012 levels.