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Pork Prices Expected to Rise

Maureen Wurtz

OMAHA (KPTM)- This years corn harvest will be the nations smallest in six years, according to the USDA.

With prices of corn rising, pig farmers must slaughter their hogs sooner, which means a leaner supply and fatter prices.

 "Farmers, they had a rough year. I hate to see it because I know its going to show up on my plate or in my pocketbook," said Ken Stoysich.

 Stoysich and his family have been in the meat business for years. "WE've been here since 1951, 61 years this year."

Stoysich said he expects pork prices to increase 30 to 45 percent.

For shoppers, that could take a big bite out of budget. "Food is definitely expensive, one of the biggest parts of my budget," said one shopper, Krista Stoecker.

There are a little over three million pigs in Nebraska, according to the 2011 Nebraska Sate Agricultural Review.  Some farmers have had to slaughter more of their heards  because of the high price of feed.

"The corn is going to go so high, because there isn't any corn out there," said Stoysich. "Domino effect, hits corn, hits pigs and beef and on to us."

Stoysich said he expects the price of one very popular pork product to double. "Bacon is going to be so scares because it is used in the fast food industry, in all the restaurants…Everyone has been using a lot of bacon the last couple of years."

 "It's this nice fall weather, not the hot humid summer," said  Stoecker. "I want to be outside and grill."

 Stoysich said get your pork fix soon, because there might not even be three little pigs to go around next summer.

Experts said you might see prices drop a little more for the next couple of months, but that won't last.

They said the shortage will hit shoppers next summer.