34
—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, March 4,1978
Hog profits
(Continued from Page 1)
Moore noted that despite
the poor general economy,
and depressed industrial
output, demand for -milk,
meat and eggs has been very
good lately. Also,
agricultural commodites
will become more com
petitive in world markets.
Hog marketings in recent
weeks have been down,
reasons for which aren’t
exactly known. Moore and
others suspect strongly,
however, that it is a com
bination of weather,
erroneous marketing ex
pectations, and sows being
held for breeding purposes.
The latter reason did not
receive much support from
the audience. Winter’s
storms may have caused set
backs in production,
schedules and also kept the
finished hogs from reaching
the markets due to bad road
conditions. What’s really
happening may not be known
for months, noted Moore,
adding that last year’s cold
weather contributed
significantly to 1977 having
been a good year for swine
producers because the chilly
weather took its toll on baby
pigs, thus reducing total
numbers on farms. That
same situation could be
developing this season
Statistical information isn’t
readily available, however,
and even if it were, it is not
very accurate by the far
mers’ own admission.
Although hog prices are
likely to decline, the
Chicago’s Futures have been
revised upward for weeks.
That indicates speculators
are getting progressively
more bullish about the
market.
Pork production,
nationwide, bolsters Moore’s
claim that hogs will be a
profitable venture for the
remainder of the year. Total
pork output for this year is
being estimated at 14 billion
pounds, up from 13.1 billion
pounds in 1977. If this year’s
production estimate is ac
tually realized, it will make
up about 35 per cent of total
red meat production in this
country. Last year the hog
farmers had a 34 per cent
share of the market. Imports
are not figured into these
estimates.
The Penn State specialist
further predicts that pork
supplies will be up by eight
to 10 per cent over last year.
Availability of fed beef is
expected to be up by f our to
five per cent over int year
and non-fed beef may drop
by as much as 20 per cent,
Moore predicted. Poultry
meat will also become more
plentiful, with a four to five
per cent increase expected.
Moore observes that sow
marketings have been in
creasing but says more gilts
in the farrowing crates are
making up for the loss in
sows.
The national hog inventory
is up on all counts by per
centages ranging from four
to 13. In Pennsylvania, the
number of hogs has in
creased even more
dramatically At least that’s
the case on paper Never
theless, hog marketings in
the nation are down by five
per cent.
While that fact in itself is
somewhat puzzling,
numerous other economic
factors cloud the future One
example is Ms. Carol Tucker
Foreman’s crusade to ban
nitrates in red meat
Louis Moore
Foreman, an assistant
secretary at USDA, is
striving to eliminate the
chemical from meats on the
allegation that it causes
cancer. That fact is highly
disputed, however. Moore
cited government figure of
some 40,000 pounds of bacon
having to be eaten by a
laboratory rat per day in
order to possibly contact the
dreaded disease. An article
on the nitrate controversy
begins on page 1 of this
week’s edition of Lancaster
Farming.
The agricultural un
certainties which continue to
cloud the farmers’ future are
as follows:
1. Farm income prospects.
Net farm income has been
declining since 1973, when it
stood at a peak of 29.5 billion
dollars. For 1978 it is ex
pected to be just about a
third of that amount. That’s
about the same as what it
was for 1977, and Moore says
HomellteAg pumps
move corrosive and
abrasive liquids fast
Saif Priming General Utility Pump for Farms
and Ranchos
Rugged design uses reinforced thermoplastic for pump
body, volute and impeller to help resist impact
. .wear ..and corrosion. Use the 200 senes for
pumping liquid fertilizers, herbicides, and
pesticides ..the 300_senes for abrasive liquids,
without fear of corrosion
• Four models to choose from ..with either \W or 2'
discharge and output capacity of 6,000 or 8,400
gp h respectively
• Total heads up to 95 ft
• Built-in check valve permits fast re-pnmmg.
• Single cylinder 4-cycte engine has splash lubncation
and manual choke
• Automatic rewind starter.
Homelltetarm
equipment available.
Come In And Check Our Prices!
“with inflation, prospects
this year aren’t too great "
Grain farmers are hardest
hit in the economic squeeze.
2. Russian gram purchases
will continue to have a big
effect on the U.S.
agricultural economy.
3. Gram stocks, which this
Fall will be the highest smce
1969, have the potential to
dramatically affect the
farmers’ income.
4. The farm strike has
“done an outstanding job in
calling attention to the
farmers’ plight, but isn’t
likely to affect production,
predicts Moore. '
5. The 1977 Farm BUI will
affect agriculture. Only a
handful of farmers un
derstand-the Bill, says the
Extension economist.
6. Weather is always a
factor.
7. Diet changes are
seriously challenging the
production trends on
America’s farms. Consumer
and government interests
are in the forefront.
8. The supply of competing
meats will affect price
fluctuations.
9. Changes in the cattle
cycle are to be watched, and
finally, but not least, talk of
USDA dismemberment can
have profound effects.
The general economy,
including agriculture faces
the following uncertainties:
A trade deficit of $27 billion
last year, compared to $6
billion the year before; the
strong possibility of double
digit inflation; the absence
of an energy program;
protectionist sentiments
regarding imports and
o\poits, taxes; President
Carter; the stock market;
the falling doUar; world
economic recovery; and
Social Security costs.
Moore noted that if double
digit inflation develops in
For Standby farm
Power...use Homellte
Vo ttamott cGenerators.
BOMBERGER'S STORE
1978, it’U be the first time
since the 1973-74 period. The
economist also pointed out
that incomes are going down
due to larger tax bites.
The falling dollar will
make this nation’s
High Performance Whan and Where You
Need ft.
All models use Voltamatic® voltage control to maintain
output power to within 4% from no load to full load (8%
with model 170 At 5-1). Give extended tool life, easier
motor starting, and fewer tool burnouts,
o Seven models available With output capacities from
1,500 to 7,500 watts, and most have 120/240 dual
voltage.
• Many equipped with Loadamatic* Idle Control which
saves gas, prolongs engine life.
• Control box side-mounted for easy access to
receptacles.
• Choice of 2-cycle or 4-cycle engine driven models
with splash lubrication system
• Units mounted on vibration isolated skids to prevent
"walking ”
Newport Road
Phone: 665-2407
agricultural exports more
competitive in the world
market, Moore said
_ have a
nice weekend...
elm; PA.
o'