Nation's bacon reserves hit half-century low

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  • Dockem

    Sharpshooter
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    May 16, 2010
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    W Indyanner



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    The country's bacon reserves are at the lowest levels in half a century.




    In other words, pig farmers can't keep up with the world's sizzling appetite for those fatty, smoky strips of sheer eating pleasure.
    The Ohio Pork Council, a Columbus-based non-profit, reported Tuesday that demand for frozen pork belly, frequently made into bacon, is outpacing supply.
    “Today’s pig farmers are setting historic records by producing more pigs than ever,” said Rich Deaton, president of the organization. “Yet our reserves are still depleting.”

    There are literally not enough little piggies going to market.


    In December 2016, frozen pork belly inventory totaled 17.8 million pounds, the lowest level since 1957, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
    As a result, prices are on the rise. The council reports pork belly prices have increased 20 percent in January. Officials said increased foreign demand might account for the decline in inventory. Hog farmers export approximately 26 percent of total productions, the council said.
    “While bacon may become more expensive for consumers, rest assured pork industry will not run out of supply,” said Deaton.
     

    Phase2

    Grandmaster
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    Dec 9, 2011
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    Ha! Fortunately, I have 50-cal ammo cans full in my standalone freezer bought while bacon was still plentiful.

    I'm a happy hoarder. Good luck during the 2017 bacon panic!
     

    HoughMade

    Grandmaster
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    Oct 24, 2012
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    Valparaiso
    There's actually a good reason for this...and there is no shortage.

    Requiem For Pork Bellies : Planet Money : NPR

    Two quick facts:

    1) Demand for bacon used to be seasonal, now it is constant. This means that there really can't be a profitable commodities market for porkbellies.

    2) Frozen porkbellies aren't "in" anymore for 2 reasons- the move towards fresh for perception and economic reasons (freezing and storage have costs) and because pork belly producers are very good producing to meet the demand without the need to freeze and store for months.

    Lowest reserves just means they've figured out how to avoid a costly part of the process- freezing and storing.
     
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