News

A cautiously optimistic trade outlook for the pork industry

An Indiana pork producer says maintaining stable trade relationships is critical for the success of the U.S. pork industry.

Jackie Ponder says she’s cautiously optimistic the Trump administration’s trade plan will benefit producers.

“We don’t feel we’re on solid ground yet because we’re not really sure which way it’s going to go,” she says. “I think that we have an administration that is going to help us expand our markets, maybe into areas that we don’t necessarily have access to right now.”

She tells Brownfield trade disruptions could impact profitability. 

“We’re concerned about inputs,” she says. “Some of our supplements, vitamins and medicines come from China and we don’t have a substitute right now. We’re just going to have to pay more for those inputs.”

Ponder says producers need sound policy to protect the industry from market volatility. 

AUDIO: Jackie Ponder