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Pork Economics and Marketing

Overview of the Niche Swine Market                                                                                                                  
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In the last decade that demand for niche market pork has greatly increased. In fact, 25% of consumers indicate a willingness to pay a 40% premium for a variety of niche pork programs (Pork Check Off). The demand for niche pork can also be seen in restaurants with 60% of chefs say they’re using a niche “protein” on their menu and 63% of those are using niche “pork” (Pork Check Off).
 
Overall, with over 39 million people, the largest number of farmers markets, and strong demand to buy local, California has great potential for growing a niche pork market.

 

 

Pork Marketing 101                                                                                                                                             

SWOT
Before starting a niche marketing pork operation the USDA Extension services recommends performing a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threat (SWOT) analysis. The SWOT analysis can help provide both a direction and foundation for your intended pork business.  For more information on how to perform a SWOT analysis click here. 

After a SWOT analysis is performed it is recommended to start developing a marketing plan.  A marketing plan is an essential part of any business. In essence, a marketing plan presents your business strategies in a way that allows you to sell your business venture to both your customers and your potential investors and/ or bankers. For more information on developing a marketing plan visit the Penn State Extension Swine Production and Management Home Study Course or click on the PDF's below. 

 

Pork Associations                                                                                                                                                 

caporkproducers

Associations can be a great resource to learn more about pork marketing,  genetics, and nutrition. Below are a list of state and federal pork associations. 

 
 
Cost Studies                                                                                                                                                           
Cost studies help provide an outlook for the associated costs and profits of producing a commodity. For the most up to date pork cost studies click below. 
 
 
Calculator                                                                                                                                                               
To help determine your pork production costs download the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach calculators below.