Dear Reader:

One constant that remains true in this rapidly changing world is that you have to adapt to survive, and the pork production industry is no exception to the rule. This document demonstrates how the industry has evolved over the past few decades in order to position itself to undertake the important opportunities and strong challenges facing pork production. The National Pork Board, proud to be a producer-driven organization, serves as a facilitator of that change through strong collaborative relationships between pork producers, staff, education/Extension and business.

For nearly 20 years, the Pork Checkoff has worked hard to successfully represent the industry in the disciplines of promotion, research and consumer information. As a result, U.S. pork production continues to lead agriculture in the adoption of new technologies and has achieved record-high productivity. For example, output per breeding animal has doubled since 1979, while the U.S. breeding herd has been reduced by more than 50 percent during that same time period. The increased productivity translates to efficiencies that mean that not only is pork of higher quality and safer than at any time in history, but it also costs consumers 20 percent less today than it did in 1979.

Yet, the industry continues to face substantial challenges. Producers of all sizes and types of operations must be dedicated to raising a high-quality ideal protein source and a safe food product, and to doing so in an environmentally friendly and humane manner. Clearly, the industry’s future will be determined by its ability to operate and expand while remaining good, responsible stewards.

The National Pork Board takes the trust that pork producers have placed in it very seriously. Considerable efforts
have been made in the past years to make the organization as efficient as possible. As a result, we strive to direct each dollar to where it can have maximum impact and to manage every program and project for maximum return. Our ultimate objective is to create an environment where U.S. pork producers can compete successfully in this new global marketplace.

The following pages represent the industry story for which we can all feel proud and one which gives us great hope for the future. Change is inevitable, but I am confident that the future brings great promise.

Respectfully,


Steve Murphy