As we celebrate National Pork Month this October, it’s the perfect time to recognize the incredible contributions of the pork industry, both here in Minnesota and across the country. Minnesota, as one of the nation’s top pork producers, plays a vital role in supplying high-quality pork to households locally and globally.
With over 9 million hogs raised annually, the state’s pork industry not only fuels our economy with billions in revenue but also provides jobs to thousands of hardworking individuals.
This month, we honor the farmers, processors, and everyone involved in bringing delicious and sustainable pork products to our tables, while also highlighting the industry’s commitment to innovation, animal care, and environmental sustainability.
- Pig Paradise: Minnesota’s pork industry is a powerhouse! In 2023 alone, the industry generated $3.12 billion from hog marketings and supported 30,860 jobs. That’s a major boost to the state economy.
- Rising Inventories: The number of pigs in Minnesota has skyrocketed, increasing from 5.8 million in 2000 to 9.3 million in 2023. Talk about a pig population boom!
- Soil Sequestration: In 2022, pig farmers saved 181,285 tons of soil. This is the same as 11,330 dump trucks of soil!
- Fewer but Bigger Farms: While the number of pig farms has shrunk over the years (from 7,765 farms in 1997 to 2,928 farms in 2022), the size of the average farm has grown dramatically. Farms now average 3,031 hogs per farm—over four times the average in 1997!
- Family Roots: Even with consolidation, the Minnesota pork industry remains family-focused. 100% of Minnesota pig farms are family-owned.
- Feed Frenzy: Minnesota pigs consume a staggering 142.75 million bushels of corn and 987,780 tons of soybean meal annually. That supports not just the pigs, but the entire local feed industry.
- Global Exports: Minnesota is a key player in global pork exports. In 2023, it exported 849.18 million pounds of pork. About 25% of U.S. pork production is shipped abroad.
- Pork Powerhouse: The total economic output of Minnesota’s pork industry, including processing, adds up to $12.53 billion—an impressive impact on the state’s economy.
These points reflect the scale, growth, and global reach of Minnesota’s pork industry, making it a crucial part of the state’s economic engine.
Sources:
The Minnesota Pork Industry 2023: Current Structure and Economic Importance
