Retaliatory Duties on U.S. Pork Erodes Profitability of Producers

Jun 11, 2018

The Pioneer Chair in Agribusiness with Iowa State University calculates the imposition of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. pork will shift the profitability of U.S. pork producers from break even to losing money.

Trade was among the top of mind issues discussed last week as pork sector stakeholders from around the world gathered in Des Moines for World Pork Expo 2018.

Dr. Dermot Hayes, a Professor and Pioneer Chair in Agribusiness with Iowa State University, says the reaction to U.S. tariffs imposed on imported aluminum and steel was swift and for the pork industry costly.

Dr. Dermot Hayes-Iowa State University:

China placed a 25 percent duty on U.S. pork April 1 and in the week before and afterwards U.S. live hog prices stretching out a full year were down significantly.

That's in part because some of the products we export to China don't really have another alternative market.

Mexico imposed a 10 percent duty on U.S. hams and shoulders and that will go to 20 percent in early July.

Source : Farmscape

Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.