U.S. hog producers are expected to lose $37 per head the rest of this year due to the COVID-19 situation, which would be losses of around $5 billion for the hog industry, according to the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC).
As hog plants have suspended operations due to workers contracting COVID-19, NPPC President Howard Roth said that conditions have become “dramatically worse in recent days.” The situation has meant hogs are backing up on farms. He added, “Market-ready hogs have nowhere to go.”
While pork supplies are currently adequate, the group warned that if the hog plant shutdowns grow, it could impact retail supplies to consumers.
The group also wants USDA to buy up to $1 billion in pork for domestic food and feeding programs, urging that the products should also include those packaged for restaurants and other areas of the food service sector.
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