Despite a bacon shortage across the pond, Missourians will only see price increases

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Intro:	The Missouri Pork Association says bacon is not in danger of becoming a scarce item.
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Wrap: While there have been reports of a bacon shortage in Britain, executive director of The Missouri Pork Association, Don Nikodim, says the U.S. will not experience a similar situation anytime soon.

Nikodim says the current bacon shortage in the U.K. was caused by British rules and regulations on livestock that the U.S. have not instituted.

However due to the drought, bacon lovers may have to pay more the next time they have a BLT.

Actuality:	UPPRICE.WAV
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Description: "Feed input, corn and soy beans are in short supply, which means prices go up. It's gonna mean ultimately we have fewer livestock and higher prices. Translating that into a shortage is another leap. We're not anywhere near that, you may see higher prices for the products but they're certaintly going to be available."

Nikodim says the price increase will not be drastic, so your baconator is safe for now.

Reporting from the state Captiol, I'm Lauren Bale.

Intro:	Missourians may see higher bacon prices, but no shortage in the near future.
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Wrap: The cost of bacon may increase, but a shortage like the one in the U.K. is unlikely in the U.S., according to the Missouri Pork Association's executive director, Don Nikodim.

Actuality:	NOTHREAT.WAV
Run Time:	00:09
Description: "It's more related specifically to things that are happening in the U.K and Europe, with some implications here, but there is no threat of a bacon shortage looming here in the United States."

Nikodim says British rules and regulations on livestock have created the U.K. shortage.

The drought has inflated the price of feed in the U.S., which may result in higher bacon prices, however Nikodim says the cost increase will be small.

Bacon and other pork prices are expected to increase next year.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Lauren Bale.

Intro:	Bacon fans can relax, Missouri will not face a bacon shortage for the time being.
RunTime:	0:45
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap:Bacon may be a scarce item in the U.K., but Americans don't have to worry about a shortage in the states as long as the U.S. avoids following in Britain's footsteps, says Missouri Pork Association Executive Director, Don Nikodim.

Nikodim says the U.K. is experiencing a bacon shortage due to new rules and regulations being imposed on pig farmers and the U.S. is beginning to follow suit.

Actuality:	PIGRULES.WAV
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Description: "We're seeing some of that now with some food companies making announcements how they're going to mandate certain production practices. At some point in time consumers will pay for those changes because they're very expensive and they're not based on science and they're certaintly not in the animal or producers best interest."

For now, bacon is still in high supply and consumers will face only a small increase in prices.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Lauren Bale.