Change is apparent in the pork industry during the last few years. The size of pork production operations is growing rapidly the United States while many' all to mid-size producers are leaving the business'. In 1997, the largest pork producers, those marketing over 50,000 hogs accounted for 36%of U.S. production, they report the fastest' growth plans for the near future (Lawrence, Grimes, and Hayenga).' With this rapid charge in the United States pork industry structure, the issue of the competitive position in world pork markets quickly emerges.