Smithfield Foods Reports 20% Drop in Hog Output

Smithfield Foods has reduced its hog production by about 20% by cutting farm operations in multiple U.S. states, the world's largest pork processor said on Friday.

In an emailed statement, the company attributed the decline to the closure of its slaughtering plant in Vernon, Calif., in early 2023 and other strategic decisions to improve and optimize the hog production business unit.

Earlier this year, the Virginia-based firm also announced the separation of its European operations as it plans to list in the U.S., but it has not revealed a timeline yet.

"Smithfield's footprint has changed significantly as it has streamlined and optimized operations to focus on the North American market," the company said in a statement on greenhouse gas reporting.

It has reduced farm operations in Missouri, Utah, Arizona, California and the East Coast, it added.

Pork producers lost money last year as pig prices and consumer demand for pork struggled at a time of high costs for labor and other expenses, leading them to cut down supply.

Last year, Smithfield, owned by Hong Kong's WH Group 0288.HK, said it would end contracts with 26 farms in Utah, permanently close 35 farm sites in Missouri, and close a processing plant in North Carolina.

Tyson Foods, the biggest U.S. meat company by sales, shut an Iowa pork plant this year.