Korea swine sector captures largest feed grain consumption

The Korean swine sector is the largest consumer of feed grains in the country, consuming more than 3 million tonnes in 2009.

According to US Grains Council (USGC) director in Korea Byong Ryol Min, Korean production only met 79% of the nation's total demand for pork in 2009, forcing importation of the remaining demand.

Byong said imported pork will continue to grow unless Korea can maintain its current level of swine production. Korea imports 97% of its feed grains supply with the US holding a 58% market share.

"Korea's swine industry is hindered over its inability to supply quality products at competitive costs, mostly due to limitations in available land, causing small and independent hog farmers to dominate the market," he said.

He noted that the council is working with the industry on their business models and management techniques to help them capture efficiencies of larger-scale production.

This week, a team of Korean swine integrators travelled to Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri to learn US swine business and management practices. This programme provided the team the opportunity to thoroughly study coordinated business models, swine production systems and large-scale sow farm management.

According to Byong, Korea imported 5.8 million tonnes of US feed grains in 2009.