Bacon Shortage Looms, Experts Warn
A worldwide shortage of pork products, wrought by the drought this year, is approaching, an industry trade group says.
Could bacon, that all-time favorite breakfast meat, begin disappearing from store shelves?
"A world shortage of pork and bacon next year is now unavoidable," Britain's National Pig Association said in a press release. "New data shows the European Union pig herd is declining at a significant rate, and this is a trend that is being mirrored around the world. Pig farmers have been plunged into loss by high pig-feed costs, caused by the global failure of maize and soya harvests."
In the U.S., the widespread summer drought this year has devastated corn and other feed crops, leading pig farmers to slaughter thier herds early. That, in turn, has temporarily boosted pork supplies in the U.S., according to a Bloomberg News Report. But the record slaughter of pigs in the U.S. this year means farmers will have smaller herds next year and will bring fewer pork products to the market.
Land O' Lakes restaurants such as The Breakfast Nook serve up bacon regularly. Are you worried your favorite dishes at local eateries will be affected? Tell us in the comments.
Patch Critic
12:28 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
My comment is.... Great way to give the Breakfast Nook free advertising. They are a great place to eat and we love them but dropping their name in the story was unnecessary. A lot of other places in the area serve bacon too.
Keli Sipperley
1:41 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Hi Patch Critic, I appreciate the feedback. What are some of your favorite places to eat breakfast in Land O' Lakes that may be affected? Or lunch for that matter. BLTs and bacon cheeseburgers will be lacking if it comes to fruition. Thanks again for the comment!