Improvements in Grades of Hogs Marketed

Excerpts from the report: Farmers marketed a much higher percentage of top-grade hogs in 1967-68 than in 1960-61, based on a recent nationwide survey. In 1967-68, half of the barrows and gilts graded U.S. No. 1--the leanest category with ample meatiness and lean quality--up from a third in 196O-61. The percentage of U.S. No. 3 hogs--the fattest in relation to length--decreased from 26 percent to 12 percent. The marked increase in the proportion of top-grade hogs represents significant progress in tailoring the leanness of hogs to consumer preference for leaner pork. This study documents the degree of improvement in market quality of hogs over a 7-year period. It also provides useful benchmarks for future measures of additional improvement in grades as U.S. meatpackers, hog breeders, and feeders continue their efforts to tailor hogs more closely to consumer preferences for leaner pork.