With public debate as a backdrop, members of the Iowa State University economics department spent the summer and fall of 1997 conducting surveys and compiling information on Iowa pork industry.

We sought information on the current state of our pork production and processing industry, why the number of pork producers in the state is declining, what types of manure management practices are being used, and what impacts the changing structure of pork production is having on rural communities.

What is the economic impact of the industry? What do rural Iowans, agribusiness representatives and pork producers think about Iowa Hog industry today and tomorrow? What are the costs and benefits associated with the industry, its expansion and its decline?

This publication includes some results from the surveys and focus groups that were conducted. It also includes the kind of factual base that is needed to inform the debate on the future of Iowa pork industry.

We hope this effort will play a major role as common ground is sought between those who want to limit growth in Iowa pork industry and those who want to expand it.