The United States is one of the leading pork-producing countries in the world. With a high demand for pork products both domestically and internationally, certain states within the U. S. have emerged as major producers of pork. Here is a list of the top 10 pork-producing states in the country.
Iowa consistently ranks as the top pork-producing state in the United States. Iowa grows about one-third of the country’s pork. Its large farmlands and good weather make it a good place to raise pigs. The state is known for its giant commercial hog farms and its dedication to making sure that its pork is of high quality.
North Carolina is another significant pork-producing state. In the last few years, the pig farming industry in the state has grown quickly. There are a lot of farms that breed and raise hogs for meat food. Some of the largest hog farms in the country are located in North Carolina.
The agricultural industry in Minnesota is known to be strong, and pork production is a big part of the state’s economy. The state has a long history of raising pigs, and there are many family-run hog farms in it. Minnesotas cold climate and abundance of corn and soybean crops make it an ideal location for pig farming.
Illinois is another top pork-producing state, thanks to its favorable agricultural conditions. Major transportation networks make it easier to get pigs and pork products to different markets, which is good for the state’s pig farming industry. Illinois is home to several large-scale pork processing plants as well.
Indiana is known for having a wide range of agricultural industries. Pork production is a big part of the state’s economy. The state has a large number of hog farms, ranging from small family-owned operations to large commercial facilities. Indianas strategic location in the Midwest also contributes to its prominence in the pork industry.
Missouri is a major pork-producing state due to its abundant farmland and favorable climate for pig farming. The state has a strong tradition of raising hogs and is home to numerous pig farms. Missouris central location in the country allows for efficient distribution of pork products to various markets.
Nebraskas pork industry has seen considerable growth in recent years. The states pig farming sector benefits from its access to abundant feed supplies, including corn and soybeans. Nebraskas large-scale pork production facilities ensure a steady supply of pork products to meet consumer demand.
Kansas has a prominent pork industry, primarily focused on commercial hog farming. The states relatively low land and construction costs make it an attractive location for pig farms. Kansas has a lot of pork processing plants and is one of the top states in the Midwest for pork production.
Ohio is a significant player in the pork industry, with a thriving pig farming sector. The states pig farms range from small family-owned operations to larger commercial farms. Ohios location within the Midwest allows for convenient distribution of pork products across the region.
Oklahoma rounds out the top 10 pork-producing states in the United States. The states pig farming industry benefits from its prime location and favorable weather conditions. Oklahomas hog farms contribute to the states economy and supply pork products to both domestic and international markets.
This report provides an in-depth analysis of the global pork market. It has the most up-to-date information on market trends and opportunities by country, as well as changes in production, consumption, and prices, as well as information on global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.
Around the world, the report has statistics for 200 countries and in-depth profiles of the 50 biggest consumers:
As a long-time resident of Iowa, I’m quite familiar with the massive pork production that takes place in this Midwestern state. But it wasn’t until I started digging into the data that I fully grasped just how dominant Iowa is when it comes to pork. As it turns out, Iowa completely outpaces all other states in pork production by a significant margin.
In this article, we’ll break down the stats to show why Iowa stands alone as the pork capital of the United States. From the number of hogs raised to processing power and overall economic impact, Iowa blows away the competition. Let’s dive in!
By the Numbers: Iowa’s Massive Hog Population
According to the USDA’s latest data, Iowa has an inventory of about 251 million hogs as of 2022 To put that into perspective, the state with the next highest inventory is Minnesota with only 9 million head of hogs. Iowa’s population absolutely dwarfs that of any other state.
In fact nearly one-third of all hogs in the United States live in Iowa. With about 3.16 million people in Iowa, that means there are almost 8 pigs for every human in the state. That’s a lot of bacon and pork chops!
The exact numbers on Iowa’s hog inventory compared to other major pork producing states are telling:
- Iowa: 25.1 million
- Minnesota: 9 million
- North Carolina: 7.4 million
- Illinois: 5.5 million
- Indiana: 4.4 million
Iowa’s lead is just mind-boggling. They have over 15 million more hogs than Minnesota despite being similar in terms of land area and human population. It highlights Iowa’s full commitment to pork production.
Turning Hogs into Pork: Processing Capacity
Of course, just having a lot of hogs doesn’t automatically translate into pork production leadership. You need the processing infrastructure to turn those hogs into marketable pork products. Again, Iowa dominates in this area.
The state has the highest slaughtering capacity at over 50,000 hogs per day according to Iowa Pork Producers Association data. That includes major processing plants in locations like Perry, Waterloo, Sioux City, Mason City, and more.
Beyond straight slaughter capacity, Iowa has some of the most sophisticated pork processing facilities in the world. For example, the Seaboard Triumph Foods plant in Sioux City boasts being the largest single-site pork processing plant in the United States.
The combination of enormous hog supplies and plentiful processing capacity makes Iowa a pork powerhouse.
Economic Impact of Pork Production
Given Iowa’s pork production supremacy, it’s no surprise the industry has an enormous economic impact on the state. Let’s crunch some numbers:
- Over $36 billion of Iowa’s GDP comes from livestock production, the majority from pork.
- Pork production supports over 55,000 jobs in Iowa.
- In 2022, Iowa exported over $1.1 billion in pork, mostly to Mexico, Japan, and China.
- Iowa produces almost one-third of the nation’s pork supply.
In addition, property taxes paid by hog farmers contribute significantly to local Iowa economies and school districts. There’s no doubt that pork production is a pillar of economic activity in Iowa.
Not Just Hogs: Corn and Soybean Production
Of course, you can’t raise millions of hogs without a lot of feed. Iowa’s massive pork production goes hand in hand with being a top producer of corn and soybeans, which make up the primary diet for livestock:
- Iowa produces over 25% of the nation’s corn crop.
- Iowa produces nearly 20% of the soybeans grown in the U.S.
- Over 90% of Iowa farmland is dedicated to corn, soybeans, and livestock feed.
The interconnection between pork, corn and soy means these industries fuel each other’s growth and success in Iowa.
The Tradition and Pride of Pork Production
While the numbers tell the story of Iowa’s pork dominance, there’s also tradition and culture behind it. Pork production is ingrained in the identity of many small Iowa towns that have long relied on the economic activity and jobs it provides.
Multi-generational family pork farms are commonplace in Iowa. The Iowa Pork Producers Association has thousands of members sharing knowledge and working to advance the pork industry. From county fairs to high school mascots, Iowa’s pride in pork comes through loud and clear.
Can Any Other State Catch Up?
While pork production is growing in states like Minnesota, North Carolina, and Indiana, they have a massive gap to close with Iowa.
Barring any radical changes, Iowa will likely reign supreme in pork production for years to come given the enormous hog population advantage and processing infrastructure already in place. The Pork State shows no signs of giving up its crown!
So there you have it – the facts and figures clearly showing that Iowa is the undisputed king of pork in the United States. As an Iowan myself, I couldn’t be prouder of my state’s pork prowess. The next time you bite into an Iowa chop or slice of bacon, appreciate the hard work and productivity that brought it from farm to fork. Iowa pork is tried and true!
World – Pork (Meat Of Swine) – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and InsightsSingle reportSent by email within 24h (Mon-Fri)
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The United States is one of the leading pork-producing countries in the world. With a high demand for pork products both domestically and internationally, certain states within the U. S. have emerged as major producers of pork. Here is a list of the top 10 pork-producing states in the country.
Iowa consistently ranks as the top pork-producing state in the United States. Iowa grows about one-third of the country’s pork. Its large farmlands and good weather make it a good place to raise pigs. The state is known for its giant commercial hog farms and its dedication to making sure that its pork is of high quality.
North Carolina is another significant pork-producing state. In the last few years, the pig farming industry in the state has grown quickly. There are a lot of farms that breed and raise hogs for meat food. Some of the largest hog farms in the country are located in North Carolina.
The agricultural industry in Minnesota is known to be strong, and pork production is a big part of the state’s economy. The state has a long history of raising pigs, and there are many family-run hog farms in it. Minnesotas cold climate and abundance of corn and soybean crops make it an ideal location for pig farming.
Illinois is another top pork-producing state, thanks to its favorable agricultural conditions. Major transportation networks make it easier to get pigs and pork products to different markets, which is good for the state’s pig farming industry. Illinois is home to several large-scale pork processing plants as well.
Indiana is known for having a wide range of agricultural industries. Pork production is a big part of the state’s economy. The state has a large number of hog farms, ranging from small family-owned operations to large commercial facilities. Indianas strategic location in the Midwest also contributes to its prominence in the pork industry.
Missouri is a major pork-producing state due to its abundant farmland and favorable climate for pig farming. The state has a strong tradition of raising hogs and is home to numerous pig farms. Missouris central location in the country allows for efficient distribution of pork products to various markets.
Nebraskas pork industry has seen considerable growth in recent years. The states pig farming sector benefits from its access to abundant feed supplies, including corn and soybeans. Nebraskas large-scale pork production facilities ensure a steady supply of pork products to meet consumer demand.
Kansas has a prominent pork industry, primarily focused on commercial hog farming. The states relatively low land and construction costs make it an attractive location for pig farms. Kansas has a lot of pork processing plants and is one of the top states in the Midwest for pork production.
Ohio is a significant player in the pork industry, with a thriving pig farming sector. The states pig farms range from small family-owned operations to larger commercial farms. Ohios location within the Midwest allows for convenient distribution of pork products across the region.
Oklahoma rounds out the top 10 pork-producing states in the United States. The states pig farming industry benefits from its prime location and favorable weather conditions. Oklahomas hog farms contribute to the states economy and supply pork products to both domestic and international markets.
This report provides an in-depth analysis of the global pork market. It has the most up-to-date information on market trends and opportunities by country, as well as changes in production, consumption, and prices, as well as information on global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.
- FCL 1035 – Pig meat
Around the world, the report has statistics for 200 countries and in-depth profiles of the 50 biggest consumers:
+ the largest producing countries
- Global market volume and value
- Per Capita consumption
- Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
- Global production, split by region and country
- Global trade (exports and imports)
- Export and import prices
- Market trends, drivers and restraints
- Key market players and their profiles
Largest Modern Pig Farm In The World – Million Dollar Pork Processing Technology & Cutting Line
FAQ
What are the top 5 pork producing states?
What state is the biggest pork producer?
What city is known for pork?
Who produces the most pork in the world?
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Market
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% of Global Production
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Total Production (2023/2024, Metric Tons)
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|
China
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50%
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57.94 Million
|
|
European Union
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18%
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20.8 Million
|
|
United States
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11%
|
12.39 Million
|
|
Brazil
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4%
|
4.45 Million
|
Which state produces the most pork?
Iowa is followed by North Carolina at 8,899,459 and Minnesota at 8,467,361 respectively. North Carolina boasts the top two pork-producing counties. Duplin County ranks No. 1 in the U.S. with 1,957,364 total number of hogs, followed by Sampson County at 1,884,585 head.
How much pork does America produce a year?
America produces between 175 and 200 pounds of pork every year and the states on the top of the list of 10 states that produce the most pork in America have an annual production of more than 20 million pigs.
Which states produce the most pork in 2022?
The top producing pork states in 2022 — Iowa, North Carolina, Minnesota, Indiana and Illinois — have seen an increase of the number of pigs raised on farms with at least 1,000 animals for the past two decades. The five states now account for about 70% of the nation’s hog population.
Which state produces the most hogs?
Iowa reigns king as the state with the most hogs, but here’s a look at the top 20 pork-producing counties in the United States. The 2017 Census of Agriculture shows the number of hogs produced in the United States is climbing, and the number of hog operations is on the rise for the first time since 1935.