Texas currently ranks 18th nationally in total number of pigs produced. There are currently no market hog plants in Texas; however, in the Panhandle there are two large commercial farms. The show pig industry in Texas is extremely popular, with over 48,000 hogs being raised each year for show.
Advances in animal genetics, technology and management practices have spurred production changes. But, at the same time, those production changes were driven by the industry¹s response to consumer demand. Consumers today want leaner, more nutritious pork products. In order to provide them, producers had to change the way they bred and produced animals.
The Texas A&M University swine teaching program offers students opportunities to learn about swine production, management, marketing, evaluation, pork quality, and a variety of internship opportunities.
