Pigs in Space: Modeling the Spatial Structure of Hog Production in Traditional and Nontraditional Production Regions

Abstract We posit a spatially explicit, county‐level model of the hog production sector and estimate how numerous firm‐specific, locality‐specific, and spatial agglomeration factors affect the location, movement, and intensity of hog production within 15 key hog production states. Spatial agglomeration, urban encroachment, input availability, firm productivity, local economy, slaughter access, and regulatory stringency variables affect the sample regions' spatial organization. Analyses suggest that western states in the sample may shape hog production levels by wielding traditional business recruitment and retention tools (e.g., tax rates, environmental stringency) while Corn Belt states may shape hog production via nontraditional tools (e.g., land use controls).