990733 IBP Slows Pork Output To Match Demand

Chicago - IBP Inc. pork plants have reduced slaughter schedules this week to better match pork production with demand, company spokesman Gary Mickelson said.

“I won't give you specific hours but I will tell you that all of our pork plants are running at slightly reduced hours,” Mickelson said.

While demand for pork remained positive, it was not strong enough to quickly move the larger-than-normal supplies of pork in storage along with ample supplies of hogs, Mickelson added.

“Even though pork supplies in storage are declining, they still remain 26% above last year's level,” Mickelson said.

USDA's monthly Cold Storage report showed total frozen pork stocks at the end of June at 536.3 million pounds, down 49.3 million pounds for the month, but up from 426.8 million pounds a year ago.

Mickelson added he did not know how long the reduced slaughter would last.

IBP operates six pork plants in Logansport, Ind.; Madison, Neb.; and Columbus Junction, Perry, Storm Lake and Waterloo, Iowa.

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