International trade in pork and pork products

The facts presented, both statistically and graphically, in the following pages are of significance, showing international trade in hog products as they do, and giving special emphasis to the American export outlet. Inasmuch as they have been presented without a great deal of refined analysis, no attempt to prove anything as to the future of this trade and the significance of it to the Iowa hog producer is justified. Nevertheless, it is possible safely to draw the following conclusions: 1. It is quite evident that the foreign outlet for hog products, and particularly for lard, supports the domestic prices of these products and therefore the domestic price of hogs to the original producers, thus enabling the Corn Belt farmer to use a larger percentage of corn and of his corn growing resources in a more remunerative way than would be possible if this source of demand were cut off. . 2. The periodic rise and fall in the volume of exports of these products leads us to believe that the export outlet serves as a buffer against the price depressions which might otherwise result from the cyclical nature of our hog production. It is during the time when farmers in the United States are producing the largest number of hogs and slaughter house products are available in largest quantity that the export movement comes in to relieve the glut and save the price situation to some extent. 3. There seems to be evidence in the statistics herein presented and in other information which shows, in connection with our type of farming studies and other investigations, that our exportable surplus of hog products is not a temporary thing but will continue to characterize our international trade. This is evident not only from the present very substantial volume of these movements but from the potential increases in production in this country. It seems safe to say that the Corn Belt could increase its hog output materially if production should be stimulated by a sufficiently broad demand. Therefore, if the home market expands, it is reasonable to suppose that the larger supply will come from expansion of domestic production rather than from curtailment of exports. The extent to which this movement will go is, of course, dependent upon the profitableness of alternative uses of our feeds and our feed producing farm lands. The essential point is that at present the margin between the pork producing uses of these resources and alternative opportunities for use in other directions is sufficiently great to stimulate further production even on the basis of current prices. 4. In view of the above observations, it seems reasonable to conclude that it is important for hog producers and others interested in the pork producing industry to cultivate good will for their products abroad

Some statistical characterizations of the hog market

Helpful statistical information on the hog market has increased greatly in recent years. Numerical data are becoming both more voluminous and more reliable. The purpose of this publication is to bring together some of the more important statistical data that have a bearing upon the hog market. It contains market information on prices, receipts, pork products, storage and exports

Community livestock auctions in Iowa

The first community livestock auction in Iowa appears to have been established in 1904. The number in operation increased moderately from 1912 to 1929, but more rapid development followed, reaching a peak in 1936 with 195 active auctions. Although the establishment of auctions was stimulated by low prices for livestock that prevailed during the depression, and by uneven distribution of feed in\u27 the state resulting from the drouths of 1934 and 1936, 25 auctions were being operated in 1929. Indications are that during the next \u27few years the number of auctions in operation will decline

Price differentials for slaughter hogs

Price differentials mean the difference or spread between two related series of prices. This bulletin reports on two types of differentials: (1 ) market differentials, the difference in the price of hogs of the same weight and grade between specific markets; (2 ) weight differentials, the difference in the price of hogs of different weights, usually of comparable grades, at the same market. Both market differentials and weight differentials may change from one period to another. The study of price differentials for slaughter hogs will aid in choosing among several available markets the most profitable place to sell each weight and grade of hogs. The study will also show the time of the year when prices are likely to be highest for different weights of hogs

Some statistical characterizations of the hog market

Helpful statistical information on the hog market has increased greatly in recent years. Numerical data are becoming both more voluminous and more reliable. The purpose of this publication is to bring together some of the more important statistical data that have a bearing upon the hog market. It contains market information on prices, receipts, pork products, storage and exports.</p

Pork Products in Foreign Trade

Iowa farmers get from hogs, on the average, $40 out of every$100 of their gross income. Since about 10 percent of all pork products and from 25 to 35 percent of the total output of lard are exported, Iowa farmers arc interested in the foreign outlet for their pork. The price at which pork products are sold abroad has a good deal to do with the price of hogs when sold off the farm.</p

Income to Iowa Agriculture, 1920 to 1926

The gross income to Iowa farmers has increased rather steadily since the low point of the depression in 1921. This fact is brought out in the study reported in this circular.</p

International trade in pork and pork products

The facts presented, both statistically and graphically, in the following pages are of significance, showing international trade in hog products as they do, and giving special emphasis to the American export outlet. Inasmuch as they have been presented without a great deal of refined analysis, no attempt to prove anything as to the future of this trade and the significance of it to the Iowa hog producer is justified. Nevertheless, it is possible safely to draw the following conclusions: 1. It is quite evident that the foreign outlet for hog products, and particularly for lard, supports the domestic prices of these products and therefore the domestic price of hogs to the original producers, thus enabling the Corn Belt farmer to use a larger percentage of corn and of his corn growing resources in a more remunerative way than would be possible if this source of demand were cut off. . 2. The periodic rise and fall in the volume of exports of these products leads us to believe that the export outlet serves as a buffer against the price depressions which might otherwise result from the cyclical nature of our hog production. It is during the time when farmers in the United States are producing the largest number of hogs and slaughter house products are available in largest quantity that the export movement comes in to relieve the glut and save the price situation to some extent. 3. There seems to be evidence in the statistics herein presented and in other information which shows, in connection with our type of farming studies and other investigations, that our exportable surplus of hog products is not a temporary thing but will continue to characterize our international trade. This is evident not only from the present very substantial volume of these movements but from the potential increases in production in this country. It seems safe to say that the Corn Belt could increase its hog output materially if production should be stimulated by a sufficiently broad demand. Therefore, if the home market expands, it is reasonable to suppose that the larger supply will come from expansion of domestic production rather than from curtailment of exports. The extent to which this movement will go is, of course, dependent upon the profitableness of alternative uses of our feeds and our feed producing farm lands. The essential point is that at present the margin between the pork producing uses of these resources and alternative opportunities for use in other directions is sufficiently great to stimulate further production even on the basis of current prices. 4. In view of the above observations, it seems reasonable to conclude that it is important for hog producers and others interested in the pork producing industry to cultivate good will for their products abroad.</p