USGC aids in the productivity of Korean hog operations

Due to hog health problems resulting in high death losses and stunted growth, small Korean hog operations have had low productivity and poor market performance.

US Grains Council director in Korea, Mr. Byong Ryol Min said these farmers do not have enough resources to stand at a competitive level with large farm operations in the global market.

Increasing pork imports and declining domestic production has resulted in reduced usage of imported feed grains.

Even though the 2007 Korean hog inventory was the largest in the nation's history, imported feed grain fell by 75,000 tonnes from 2002. Various types of industry integrations and production alliances are in operation, as part of USGC programs.

However, Korea's poor management skills and lack of experience have caused inefficiencies in reducing input costs and supplying quality pork at competitive prices.

Recognizing this lasting problem, the Council sought ways to offer management education opportunities to help Korea's swine industry become more competitive in the world market.

Dr. Gordon Spronk, USGC consultant and veterinarian at the Pipestone Veterinary Clinic & Pipestone System, located in Pipestone, Minn., travelled to Korea this week to review Korea's swine operations and introduce and educate ways farmers can improve their business structures and management systems.

Spronk introduced a programme that combines proper genetics, a healthy diet of soy for protein and corn for energy, and a low stress environment.

Min said the Pipestone System is currently used by 45 sow operations administering over 140,000 head, making it the fifth largest swine management system used in the US.