Lower pork production increases the demand and price of ham this holiday season in the US

The article highlights the anticipated rise in pork prices, particularly ham, due to reduced production as the holiday season approaches. This decrease in production is attributed to financial losses in the pork industry, despite improved production efficiency. Despite the potential price increase, the U.S. Department of Agriculture assures that holiday hams and other pork products will be available. Retailers plan their holiday ham sales in advance to capitalize on lower pricing, with a significant portion of ham sales happening during the current 13-week holiday season. Consumers have a variety of ham options, including traditional and new flavors, as well as choices between bone-in and boneless varieties.

Lower pork production going into the holiday season compared to last year won’t restrict the availability of all cuts, but prices could rise, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Agricultural Economics. “The lower production is likely because several months of financial losses are beginning to take their toll on pork production,” said David Anderson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension agricultural economist, Bryan-College Station. “While production efficiency — more pigs per litter — have offset fewer sows, it looks as though fewer sows farrowing is starting to show up in a reduced amount of hog slaughter and overall production.” Retail hams, at $4.60 per pound in September, were 3 cents per pound higher than last September. But that was the lowest retail price since June. Prices for ham at Wisconsin grocery stores this week ranged from $4.99 per pound and $2.49 per pound, depending on the brand and type ...