The pork industry looks back on 2024 — and ahead to 2025

For the U.S. pork industry, 2024 began with continued unprofitability. High ingredient costs and lower demand weighed heavily on the market. The word used most often to describe our producers was “resilient.” While the industry continued to focus on sustainability and the wise use of resources, the economic component of sustainability, primarily the profitability of pork operations and concerns about the ability to pass farms on to the next generation, became more pronounced.

Fortunately, lower grain prices in early spring ended the longest period of losses the industry had faced since 1998, and profitability returned to our producers as they worked to build back equity. Domestic demand became a focal point, since pork is considered a good value compared to beef, but pork still seemed to be lagging in the retail space. Taste, freshness and value are the top three attributes that consumers look for when purchasing protein. With this in mind, increasing our focus on innovation and how to find new uses for pork — especially the loin — will be important as we look to increase the value of the whole pork carcass.

Exports were a bright spot in 2024, with an increase over 2023, which was also a good year. Mexico is our number-one export market, while countries like the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Australia experienced significant growth. 

Productivity was good, and although sow numbers declined, the number of pigs weaned increased — which is a tribute to the efficiency and sustainability of our industry. Despite higher hog production numbers, market prices have remained higher than anticipated through the end of the year, leading to some much-needed profitability through the end of 2024.

As we look ahead to 2025, trade will continue to be top of mind as the pork industry attempts to avoid disruptions and maintain our current markets while establishing new ones. Growing domestic demand will be a key issue, and plans are in place to build upon the work that’s already been done to promote the taste, freshness and good value of pork as a protein. We’ll also keep taking advantage of the latest food trends, including increased interest in high-protein diets. 

There is some concern about producer fatigue related to the topics of disease prevention and preparedness. However, the threat of African swine fever (ASF) and H5N1 is a near and present concern. Funding for animal health programs is done through the Farm Bill, which makes passage of this piece of legislation key for the pork industry. Threats of disease, whether domestic or transboundary, should serve as a reminder of the value of our farmers’ biosecurity programs and the need to remain ever vigilant.

Finally, human capital continues to be both our greatest asset and one of our greatest challenges. Finding people to work on our farms and in our businesses isn’t easy, and rural areas are already experiencing unemployment rates lower than the national average. Still, whether by engaging with our youth or looking at non-traditional sources of labor, our farmers continue to promote the many opportunities agriculture can offer.

Our resiliency served the pork industry well in 2024, as we met challenges head on and found ways to overcome them. Continuing to focus on productivity, innovation and advocacy will serve us well in 2025.

About the author:

Lori Stevermer is the customer success manager for Alltech's U.S. Pork team. In this role, she collaborates with the company's marketing, sales, technical and management teams to drive internal efficiencies and collaborations that have a positive impact at the customer level.

Lori is deeply interested in and passionate about the swine industry. She currently serves as the president of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), where she is also a member. Lori enjoys talking with people about farming and agriculture — and they enjoy talking to her just as much thanks to the wealth of information and advice she offers.

Lori earned a bachelor's degree in animal science from the University of Minnesota. She and her husband, Dale, raise pigs, corn and soybeans near Easton, Minnesota. In her spare time, Lori enjoys biking, running and spending time with her family.

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