Coordination activities in the pork production industry-are growing rapidly; These range ' from the totally integrated system through ownership, to that which bridges'the input supply, production, processing and merchandising segments through various informal or formal forms of coordination; For example, some arrangements involve contract for production or delivery of products of a specified amount, quality,' etc. Still others may involve agreements or' linkages between independent participants in the industry. All are aimed at improving the participants competitive positioned the industry over.what it would be without the linkages. Industry development or adjustment is riot uniform^ across regions in the United States. This manuscript documents those differences, outlining some reasons for the differences. Additionally, competitive relationships along-with contract growth and a comparison of returns and risks of selected contracts are presented.