July 23, 2007

China's Zhengzhou sign live hog reserve contracts with local hog producers

China's Zhengzhou Commerce Bureau has signed live hog contracts with eight local hog producers to set aside 20,000 heads of hog as reserve for the period from July 18 to November 17. Within the four-month period, Zhengzhou authorities will tap on these supplies during contingencies or in case of a severe pork shortage.

The eight local farms that have signed the reserve hog supply contract are medium- or large-scale farms with a combined inventory level that exceeds 30,000 heads of live hog.

Under the agreement, reserve hogs must be vaccinated and shall be of above average quality. The weight of these hogs must be between 80 and 100 kilogrammes, with a meat yield of above 70 percent.