A group of pork producers has launched the Producer Retirement Program to help reduce the U.S. sow herd.
Chuck Wirtz, chairman of the PRP, said the voluntary, self-funded program will help producers find an option to exit the farrowing business or to retire specific farrowing operations.
Cost of participation is $20 per sow. Collected dues will be used to create a fund to help compensate producers for sows they commit to cull.
The PRP objective is to assist in returning the U.S. pork industry to profitability. According to analysts, a 5-10% reduction in breeding herd is required to facilitate the recovery.
