Commodity traders pushed down the price of hogs yesterday and the trend continues so far today, which has Charlie Miller, owner of Willow Ridge Farms in Darien, just a little worried.
Miller's operation sells 200 to 250 hogs every week, and the worldwide recession had already sent prices down from 80 cents per pound two months ago to around 70 cents. Yesterday, prices dropped to 66 cents.
The reason? Panic over Swine Flu.
Never mind that health officials state flat out that the disease cannot be transmitted from eating food. Commodity traders -- who place bets on the anticipated future price of items -- believe the flu scare will deepen a trend of over supply in pork.
Miller said as of this morning, the cash market, the current price of hog meat, had not yet been effected.
"We have six families involved in ownership and operations of the farm," Miller said. "When things don't go well in the market, it impacts more people beyond just individual needs. And it also impacts everybody we do business with."
The National Pork Producers Council reiterated points made by the National Center for Disease Control that eating pork cannot transmit the disease to humans. Further, there is no evidence that the current strain was contracted by humans from pigs.
Miller noted that the current outbreak shouldn't even be called Swine Flu because it is a different strain with more in common with Avian Flu. "It should be called North American Flu," he said.
The World Health Organization has identified only 79 cases worldwide, and the only reported deaths have been in Mexico, according to ABC Radio News.
"Often times things like this happen and people get worried and emotional," Miller said. "I encourage people to use the information from groups such as the Center for Disease Control to make their food-buying decisions."
Photo Illustration courtesy Flickr member The Pug Father.
If people equate swine flu to
If people equate swine flu to properly cooked pork, they have some serious issues.
im still eating pork, im not
im still eating pork, im not scared , no reason for pork prices going down, farmers have to eat to you know.good old USA meat, you cant beat it.and its all safe to eat, who's know about Mexican meat.when it comes to food I try to bye only USA or local food and meat.
I will be eating a lot of BBQ
I will be eating a lot of BBQ pork this summer if the price stays low. They say that this strain is swine, avian, and human type altogether, but then again they dont know for sure. I am more concerned about handling cash that infected people touched then eating a swine or poultry ! I got my debit card out and a family size bottle of purell !
I totally agree. I am still
I totally agree. I am still eating pork.. Chops for dinner last night.. There is no reason to stop eating pork.. why because.. so dummy in the government called this FLU the swine flu... Come on does that mean when you have the regular flu you can eat somethings as well.. This is all crazy... Follow the good mannerisms that your parents taught you... Wash your hands, close your mouth, and stay away from sick people and if you are sick stay home!!!