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Pork industry optimism increasing, Iowa pig farmer says

A southeast Iowa pig farmer says economic conditions have gradually improved for pork producers the last few years.

Matt Gent has a farrow-to-finish operation near Wellman in Washington County, and serves as president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

“2023 was a very rough year for producers. The inputs were very high,” he said. “2024 was better, but it was not what the producers needed. 2025 is definitely a bright light for us. Hopefully, we’ve changed the needle on demand.”

He tells Brownfield the hog markets have been favorable to start the year. “Some profitability has returned to the producers going forward here the next few months,” Gent said. “Supply and demand, of course, plays a decent role in that.”

Gent says there will be some challenges to navigate. “Whether that’s health challenges with your pigs, pork demand, or whatever it is, we’ll never get over that. There’s always something.”

Despite those concerns, he says optimism is increasing in the pork industry.

INTERVIEW: Iowa pig farmer Matt Gent