The United States is expected to import more than 8 million hogs from Canada in 2004, a far cry
from the 921,000 head imported just 10 years ago. Moreover, unlike 1994, hog imports this year will
likely continue to be skewed in favor of feeder pigs (see box, “Glossary of Production Terms”).
Ten years ago, 44 percent of imported Canadian hogs were feeder pigs, versus almost 70 percent in
2004, with slaughter hogs making up the balance in each case. What economic factors changed in
the past 10 years to create the demand for Canadian hogs, and, why has the trend developed
toward feeder pigs? As with most questions pertaining to agricultural issues these days, these
questions have no simple answers.