1. Introduction to Swine Industry

2. Economic Implications of the Swine Industry
96 million hogs were processed into over 17 billion pounds of pork
200,000 swine producers operate nationwide
Industry generally ranks either 4th or 5th annually in terms of farm cash receipts.

3. More than $11 billion worth of hogs are sold each year, with a retail value of $30 billion
Missouri has approximately 5% of the hog operations nationwide (3,000,000 head)
State ranks seventh in the number of hogs and pigs produced
Mercer, Sullivan, and Putnam counties are the top 3 Missouri Counties

4. Commonly used Swine Terms
Farrow: to give birth

5. Gilt: a young female that has not yet farrowed
No sheath and visible vulva

6. Barrow: castrated male pig
Boar: male pig used for breeding
Sow: mature female hog

7. Barrow
Sheath and no visible testicles

8. Boar: mature pig used for breeding
Visible sheath and testicles

9. Sow: mature female hog
Visibly distinct and fully developed vulva and underline

10. Feeder pig: gilt or barrow between weaning and finishing

11. Market hog: gilt or barrow weighing from 240 to 270 pound and ready for processing

12. Swine Industry Evolution
Fewer Producers: currently 200,000 compared to 3 million 30 years ago.
Why?
Larger farms: ranging in size form 1,000 to 80,000 sows

13. Focus on expanding exports
Change in Location: from the corn belt to North Carolina, Arkansas, Texas Kansas and Oklahoma
Why?
Manure regulations
Focus on expanding exports
What recently has caused some problems with exports
Swine flu

14. Summary
The swine industry is an important part of agricultural production in the US, accounting for over $11 billion in farm receipts annually. Swine are produced in farrow – to – finish, feeder pig, and feeder pig finishing production systems. The swine industry is changing, with hogs being produced on larger farms at diverse locations nationwide. Corporate swine production is becoming more prevalent in the industry. Due to the diversity of the industry, young people interested in working with swine have a variety of career opportunities open to them.

15. Corn belt map and Missouri pork map