The pork industry produces more pork than Americans consume. This may seem like an issue to some, but not when demands from Asia and Mexico continue to increase.

Farmers like Greg Kaffenbarger have increased hog herds to over 6,000 to keep up with the demand. “If you take exports out, it’s disastrous,” he told the Associated Press. Almost a quarter of the pork produced in the U.S. is exported which is incredible considering only three percent was exported in 1990.

Since 2007 livestock producers have seen an increase by 25 percent in exports with poulty, table eggs and processed egg products. Numbers are expected to drop 14 percent this year due to the world economic problem and China’s pork production, but that still leaves producers out of the red.

The increase in exports has made a few changes in the industry. The way hogs are bred, prepared and packaged have been tailored to specific countries’ needs. For example pork exported to Japan and China is sliced into smaller pieces so people can eat it with chopsticks. In Japan pork is even sold as a deli meat.

If you are interested in joining the pork industry contact Farm Plus today. Low rate farm loans are available. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information about farm loans.