Few can argue U.S. pork producers are a thoughtful and contemplative group of people, always considering how they can do more with less, how they can integrate more technology into their operation, and how they can implement more science to make improvements.
Four economists reveal the most important questions producers should ask themselves as they prepare for what’s ahead in 2026.
1. Am I looking beyond my balance sheet?
“Consumer demand is at the forefront to determine how successful an industry can be,” says Brian Earnest, lead economist, animal protein at CoBank. “Are producers looking beyond the balance sheet, and into the future, what is possible with the product revamp movement?”
Earnest challenges producers to consider the product they are producing for the consumer.
“How am I engaged with, and therefore satisfied with, the offering landing on the consumer’s plate – both at home and abroad?” he asks. “U.S. meat continues to command a premium in international markets.”
2. Do I have risk management systems in place that allow me to negotiate from a position of strength?
“This is especially important considering that the government pays part of the cost,” explains Altin Kalo, chief economist at Steiner Consulting. “Working with a team that can help devise strategies to mitigate risk and profit from price swings is as important as ever.”
3. How much working capital and equity do I need to withstand another economic downturn?
“Rebuilding equity lost over the past two years is vital as cycles become more frequent and impactful,” says Chris Ford, vice president corporate swine lender with Farm Credit.
4. What can I stop doing?
“The opposite of a New Year’s resolution, often called an anti-resolution, is focusing on what to stop doing,” says Lee Schulz, chief economist at Ever.Ag. “Producers may want to ask themselves what is on their Don’t-Do list for 2026.”
For example, if you had to hand off three responsibilities, what should be given away and to whom?
“What’s stopping you from doing it today?” Schulz challenges. “Which of your daily tasks could become weekly? Which weekly tasks could be done monthly?
He adds it’s not necessarily about doing less. It’s more about identifying comparative advantages and fully utilizing your team of experts.
Check out Farm Journal’s PORK 2026 Outlook Series:
Pork Producers Can Beat the Unknowns in 2026 with These Risk Management Tips
