MISSOURI PORK PRODUCTION DOWN

COLUMBIA -- Missouri swine production continues to decline.

"Missourians support their agriculture," said Missouri Director of Agriculture Charles Kruse. "But, despite excellent people and resources, the state's hog production continues to decline."

Kruse, who was a speaker during the recent Missouri Pork conference and Trade Show here, said that in 1970 Missouri had 8 percent of the nation's hog inventory and ranked third in overall production.

"The state currently has less than five percent of the nation's hogs and its national ranking has dropped to seventh," he said.

Kruse challenged producers and industry leader to work together to help rebuild the state's pork industry.

"We've already lost a generation of potential hog farmers and now it's time to begin the process of recruiting new producers," said Kruse. "Let's get back in the hunt for national prominence.