As the historic drought of 2012 has expanded to cover the main grain-growing areas of the United States, the cost of pork production has gone up markedly.

Unfortunately, this means producers’ need for plentiful and high-quality grain to feed their animals is likely to go unmet as experts predict both grain quantity and quality of the 2012 crop to be severely compromised.

The drought has also increased the issue of water availability in a large area of the country, meaning conservation is now more important on the farm than ever.

In light of this weather-driven event, Pork Checkoff has compiled some practical resources for producers to consider that may help ease this difficult situation.

If you have specific, farm management-related questions, contact Chris Hostetler, the Pork Checkoff’s director of animal science, at [email protected] or (515)223-2606.