030110 ND Hog Farmer Numbers Hit Record Lows

Bismarck, ND - The number of hog farms in North Dakota is at a record low, but some producers say there is reason to hope for a turnaround.

Dave Fredrickson, manager of Prairie Pork LLP in Crosby, says his company's production contracts extend into April, and prices have shown a steady increase.

"I'm real optimistic," Fredrickson said.

It will take more than optimism for some independent producers to stay in business, said Charlotte Meier, state executive of the North Dakota Pork Producers. The state has lost about 400 producers since hog prices reached Depression-era depths in 1999 and 2000, she said. About 100 farmers left the business last year.

"The biggest problem is having market access," Meier said. "We need more independent packing plants that can help out the small independent producer."

Doug Zacher, 31, who farms near Elgin, said he keeps between 200 and 300 hogs on hand, mainly to supplement his income. Most of his money is made on beef cattle and wheat, he said.

"What it comes down to is that I like raising hogs," Zacher said.

Zacher sells a lot of his pigs to friends, neighbors and visitors -- mostly hunters, who have become regular customers. He also gets the animals butchered locally, which saves him trucking costs.

He does some advertising, but most of his sales are through word of mouth, he said.

Zacher said even though prices have been "pretty rough" for a long time, he is hopeful for a rebound.

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