The media misrepresentation of H1N1 has had a negative impact on the hog industry. Pork is SAFE to eat, and hogs in the Untied States do not carry the flu virus that has infected less than 275 people in the United States. This news obviously hit during a slow news week, the normal flu season has over 35,000 deaths from the flu virus but you really don’t hear about it on the news. Right now, the US Pork industry has taken a real beating for something that isn’t the fault of the farmer.
While I was at church yesterday, a lady asked me if there was anything the government could do to help the hog farmers in this country. Hog farmers do not receive government subsidies, so when we lose money as we have in the last 19 months; we have to borrow money to make ends meet. However, if the government did want to help, one avenue would be to negotiate more Free Trade Agreements (FTA) immediately. This would be at no cost to tax payers, but it would open another market for our products. Just by completing a FTA with Korea, the US Pork Industry could gain almost $10 per hog. Free Trade Agreements with the country of Columbia could add another $1.63 per hog, while a FTA with Panama could result in an added $.20 per hog.
As a hog farmer, I know first hand how tough the last 19 months have been on our family and farm. The passage of these three Free Trade Agreements would bring us closer to a break even. These Free Trade Agreements can help keep millions of families on their farms, and their employees working. We are determined to weather this storm. We are proud to produce safe and nutritious food for our family, and yours.
You can also play an important role in providing America with safe and nutritious food, contact your Congressman or Senator and encourage them to pass and implement the Korean, Columbian and Panama Free Trade Agreements immediately. In the meantime, support American hog farmers by purchasing pork to grill the next time you are at the grocery store. Pork is healthy and affordable!