Outlook

Continued strong pork exports in August; 2012 exports will grow slightly

10/18/2011 9:15:59 AM

August U.S. pork exports were 433.4 million pounds, 43.6 percent larger than last Augusts, making January-August U.S. pork exports 18.7 percent larger than 2010. U.S. pork exports should remain strong into 2012. Although 2012 U.S. pork exports were revised downward slightly to 5.09 billion pounds from last month, they are still forecast to be 2.8 percent higher than 2011. ... Full story.

Larger projected hog supplies but feeding returns should be positive

10/18/2011 9:02:59 AM

The September Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report shows marginally larger hog inventories and farrowings, and a continued pigs-per-litter rate remaining above 10 indicates there will be slightly more pork production in 2012. The September 1 breeding herd was 0.6 percent higher than last year at that time. ... Full story.

China a major buyer of U.S. pork products in July

09/16/2011 9:00:40 AM

According to the USDA's latest Livestock, Dairy and Poultry report, U.S. pork exports were up sharply in July, propelled largely by shipments to Asia—China and S. Korea in particular. July exports were 386 million pounds, almost 18 percent higher than a year ago. ... Full story.

High feed prices likely to drive hog weights lower

09/16/2011 8:00:00 AM

With larger anticipated fall-quarter hog numbers just around the corner, U.S. hog prices have tailed-off steadily since reaching a record-high of $79.33 per cwt in early August according to the USDA's Livestock, Dairy and Poultry report. At the same time, cash prices of corn in Iowa, the largest hog producing State in the country, have traded in the high $6 to low $7 per bushel range since mid-July. ... Full story.

Hog Outlook: Pork cutout falls again

09/02/2011 3:15:39 PM

Pork cutout took another big drop in the last week of August. Heavier hog weights and increased daily slaughter are pushing hog prices down fast. ... Full story.

United States and Canadian Hog inventory up 1 percent

08/22/2011 1:12:18 PM

According to the USDA's U.S. and Canadian Hogs report released on Aug. 22, United States and Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs for June 2011 was 76.9 million head. This was up 1 percent from June 2010, but down 3 percent from June 2009. ... Full story.

Heavy placements of cattle on feed portend future beef production

08/17/2011 9:15:00 AM

The USDA's latest Livestock, Dairy and Poultry outlook reports that during the first half of 2011, net placements were 2 percent above placements for the first half of 2010 as drought has pushed cattle off pastures in many parts of the country, and most of these feeder cattle have gone into feedlots. ... Full story.

Exports driving prices across the pork supply/demand space

08/17/2011 8:45:09 AM

According to the USDA's latest Livestock, Dairy and Poultry report released on Aug. 17, second-half hog and pork prices are expected to remain record-high, supported in large part by accelerating pork exports. USDA raised its forecasts for both third- and fourth-quarter 2011 pork exports, with shipments to Asia and North America expected to be particularly robust. ... Full story.

U.S. livestock review: Hogs rise on commodities

07/13/2011 3:52:51 PM

U.S. lean hog futures rose Wednesday on a broad-based rally in commodities and continued signs of strong demand for U.S. pork abroad. ... Full story.

USDA forecasts higher pork production

07/12/2011 7:41:47 AM

According to the USDA's July World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report released on July 12, the forecast for 2011 total meat production is lowered from last month as lower beef production more than offsets higher expected pork and turkey production. ... Full story.

Hog Outlook: Slaughtered sows climb 8%

07/08/2011 3:00:18 PM

Based on preliminary data it looks like the number of sows slaughtered in the U.S. was up nearly 8% during June compared to 12 months earlier. The number of Canadian sows imported for slaughter during June was down 8%, so slaughter of U.S. sows was up roughly 11%. ... Full story.

Hog Outlook: Pork prices dip

07/01/2011 2:49:47 PM

Hog prices went downhill this week. Carcass prices exceeded a dollar per pound early in the week. The national average negotiated carcass price for direct delivered hogs on the morning report today was $94.81/cwt, down $5.96 from last Friday. ... Full story.

Resource Center