Specialist at VPI Predicts Large C ut In Production of Pigs A severe out—If! tier rent—in sous bred to farrow itiis spring is expected in Virginia. George Herring, animal hus bandman at VPI. says the cut is a result of falling profits from hog production in 1952. and of the small corn crop produced in Vir ginia. Nationwide, sows bred for 1953 spring farrow are expected to be 15 per cent less than the number bred last year. The 1952 pig crop in the United States totaled 91.785.000 head, a 10 per cent drop from 1951. With a further reduction indicated in 1953, hog supplies are likely to be greatly curtailed during the last half of tile year and prices should show considerable recovery. There will, of course, be an increased supply of beef, so total meat sup plies will be adequate. Mr. Her ring says tlie changed situation, however, is certain to bring pork closer to beef prices than they have been in recent years. He says hog growers need to study tlie situation carefully in making their plans foi 1953. Addi tional sows could be bred now for late spring farrow. Pigs produced from these cows could be grazed through the sumrnei on limited grain rations and finished on the new grain crop. Sows should be bled in January in areas where feeder pig sales will be held. While feeder pigs are selling low now. it is a good guess house as soon as possible after milking.

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