050111 New Pork Production Model Can Stabilize Farm IncomesJanuary 8, 2005Green Island, NB - A new model for Nebraska's pork industry can help producers promote an economy that keeps Nebraska dollars in the state. In the past 10 years, Nebraska has changed from a state that was mostly farrow to finish in pork production to one that produces a lot of feeder pigs that are shipped to other states for the finishing phase. In doing that, the state does not capture the added value of feed grains or the value of other inputs in the finishing process. The Nebraska model, which works best for families with an existing land base, involves establishing smaller finishing operations on farms. Producers may choose to purchase their own pigs, which poses the added challenge of managing the market risk but also could yield more profit. To provide a steady income flow, producers may choose contract production and raise another producer's pigs. Producers would put up one or two buildings on a quarter section of land that has a pivot-irrigated corn base. This better balances the use of nutrients. This also spreads hog facilities across the countryside and provides diverse ownership among farm families. The goal of this model is two-fold. It would provide a secondary income to help improve income for producers, encouraging another generation to return to the farm and keep Nebraska resources in the state to boost the state economy.
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