Someone else already used the term Porkocalypse so I had to root about for my own pun. It sucks in either event:
Might want to get your fill of ham this year, because “a world
shortage of pork and bacon next year is now unavoidable,” according to
an industry trade group.Blame the drought conditions that blazed through the corn and soybean
crop this year. Less feed led to herds declining across theEuropean Union “at a significant rate,” according to theNational Pig Assn. in Britain.And the trend “is being mirrored around the world,” according to a release (hat tip to the Financial Times).
In the second half of
next year, the number of slaughtered pigs could fall 10%, doubling the
price of European pork, according to the release.The trade group urged supermarkets to pay pig farmers a fair price for the meat to help cover the drought-related losses.
In U.S. warehouses, pork supply soared to a record last month,
rising 31% to 580.8 million pounds at the end of August from a year
earlier, according to theU.S. Department of Agriculture.The surge came as farmers scaled down their herds as feeding the animals became increasingly expensive.
In July, global food prices leaped 10% from the month before, according to theWorld Bank. Maize and wheat jumped 25% while soybeans rose 17%.
What will porkaholics and baconphiles do? Is this the revenge of the vegans? Nah, it’s that “non-existent” climate change thing…
Jeez, I feel likeLes Fucking Nessman. Hmm, I wonder if they’re still awarding the Silver Sow award?