Commentary http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-news/markets/commentary RSS Feed for Commentary en-us Tue, 04 Jun 2013 18:25:07 GMT Pork producer margins back in the black, packers lower http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-news/markets/commentary/Pork-producer-margins-back-in-the-black-packers-lower-210100221.html Profit margins for pork producers moved into positive territory last week as cash sales improved more than $2 per hundredweight, according to the Sterling Pork Profit Tracker. Commentary: Wean pig and swine facility insights http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-news/markets/commentary/Commentary-Wean-Pig-and-Swine-Facility-Insights-209914341.html Breakeven price for a weaner pig was $19.18 based on closing futures prices on May 31, 2013 and the assumptions outlined here. The breakeven price is down $3.05 from last week. USMEF reports on pork, beef exports http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-news/markets/commentary/USMEF-reports-on-pork-beef-exports--158563275.html Last year pork exports to Mexico topped $1 billion for the first time, but they are off to an even stronger start in 2012. The report also notes favorable results in Central and South America, Russia and the China/Hong Kong region. Corn and soybean close lower on Thursday http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-news/markets/commentary/Corn-and-soybean-close-lower-on-Thursday-134850523.html Corn futures traded lower on Thursday. Fund selling and sluggish export demand weighed on the market. CME: Commodity price changes affect profitability outlook http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-news/markets/commentary/CME-Commodity-price-changes-affect-profitability-outlook-134116203.html Changes in market prices for corn, soybean meal, cattle and hogs have driven some important changes in profitability outlooks for the various segments of the meat/poultry protein sector — changes that have some important implications about the outlooks for 2012 and beyond. Hog Outlook: U.S., Canada producing more pigs per litter http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-news/markets/commentary/Hog-Outlook-US-Canada-producing-more-pigs-per-litter-133708008.html Canada's October 1 swine inventory survey said their swine herd was up 0.9%. The number of sows and bred gilts was up 0.2%. Their inventory of market hogs was up 1%. Oil again flirting with $100 per barrel http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-news/markets/commentary/Oil-again-flirting-with-100-per-barrel--133481398.html Oil prices are soaring again, but motorists don't need to worry — yet. CME: Livestock production boosted by productivity gains http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-news/markets/commentary/CME-Livestock-production-boosted-by-productivity-gains-133233048.html In our discussion yesterday we focused on the expansion in global economic activity and population and whether cattle and hog supplies have increased fast enough to properly meet the growth in demand. Outside markets weigh on commodities http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-news/markets/commentary/Outside-markets-weigh-heavily-on-commodities-133003033.html Corn futures are trading lower at midday, although losses have moderated from early in the session. Outside markets are pressuring prices as European debt concerns have led to a sharp rally in the dollar and weakness in the stock market. Weakness in crude oil is also dragging corn lower. Crop markets trade choppy on Friday http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-news/markets/commentary/Crop-markets-trade-choppy-on-Friday-132789268.html Corn futures are trading higher at midsession. After opening lower, futures turned higher with support from the firm cash market. Despite generally favorable harvest weather, farmer selling remains light and basis level firm. However, gains are being limited by the dollar turning higher today after the sharp losses on Thursday. December is 2 3/4 cents higher at $6.54 1/4 and March is 2 cents higher at $6.65 1/2.