DES MOINES, Iowa– Pork prices hit record highs this summer as farmers weren’t able to feed the demand — mostly because a virus had killed millions of their baby pigs.
There is good news for pork lovers in the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture production update, as it shows more piglets are surviving and producers are building up pork herds.
Iowa, the nation’s leading pork producer, reported nearly 5.5 million baby pigs were born between June and August — the largest number in 20 years.
New farm procedures helped reduced the spread of the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, such as disinfecting trucks and equipment.
Many producers are optimistic the virus is under control but some fear winter’s return because the virus thrives in cold, damp conditions.
