U.S. Bacon Reserves Hit 50-Year Low

Pig farmers are struggling to keep up with the vast U.S. appetite for bacon, causing reserves to hit the lowest level in 50 years and sending prices flying upward. “Today’s pig farmers are setting historic records by producing more pigs than ever,” said Rich Deaton, president of the Ohio Pork Council. “Yet our reserves are still depleting.” Deaton reported Tuesday that demand for frozen pork belly is outpacing farmers’ ability to produce and sell. But, he added: “While bacon may become more expensive for consumers, rest assured the pork industry will not run out of supply.”