The Expansion of Large Scale Hog Farming in Iowa: The Applicability of Goldschmidt's Findings Fifty Years Later

Abstract

Using county level socioeconomic and agricultural data from all counties in Iowa, we assess Goldschmidt's findings that measures of economic well-being are better with the presence of more smaller farms rather than fewer larger ones. We ethnographically situate our examination in terms of statewide discussions concerning the desirability of large scale swine production. Contrary to state economic development rhetoric, our analysis indicates that the organization of hog production and not market share or numbers is a key to rural welfare. We conclude that it is more advantageous for Iowa to have more hog farmers rather than more hogs.