Out-of-feed events increase costs, reduce performance
Even with record-high feed costs, make sure you keep the feed flowing, say industry experts. Out-of-feed events only compound the problem of high-priced feed by reducing pig performance and slowing time to market.
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Spanish language PQA Plus and TQA certification, Sept 7
Pork producers in and around Minnesota may want to take note of a Spanish language certification trainings for Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) and Transport Quality Assurance (TQA).
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Feeding advice available for TOPIGS finishers
The feed advice of TOPIGS is based on the nutritional requirements of each genotype in order to achieve the highest genetic performance. The manuals are suitable for all markets around the world.
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Hog slaughter surges to year’s highest level
High feed prices brought on by the 2012 drought have pushed hog slaughter to its highest level so far this year as U.S. pork producers search for ways to reduce their skyrocketing feed bills. Pork producers are looking at a loss of between $20 to $30 per head for the next six months, according to an industry analyst.
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Culling expands as feed costs cut hog margins
Criteria for herd culling may need to be expanded to new levels as record-level feed prices cut into pork producer margins. Facing $8 per bushel corn and soybean meal around $550 per ton, one Iowa producer scrutinizes his stock more closely and doesn’t keep problem pigs around that won’t make it to his primary market.
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Prairie Swine Centre releases annual research report
The Prairie Swine Centre, located near Saskatoon, has just released the 2011 edition of the Annual Research Report which provides insight into a wide range of industry challenges and opportunities.
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USDA issues final rule on wholesale pork reporting
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced the final rule implementing mandatory wholesale pork price reporting, The rule outlines what information packers will be required to submit to AMS, how the information should be submitted and other requirements.
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Ethanol plant closures cause DDGS supply issues
Plant closures, along with reduced production at many plants, have reduced the supply of distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a co-product of ethanol production widely-used in swine diets.
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Profit tracker: Producer margins continue eroding
For the week ending Aug. 10, pork producer profit margins fell nearly $8 per head from the prior week. The continued erosion in margins follows record-high feed prices resulting from the 2012 drought. Packer margins meanwhile have turned positive, though barely,
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Commentary: Opening a window to your world
The drought has made it tough to find a bright spot in agriculture this summer. But find one I did, this week as I traveled to see the beginnings of Legacy Farms and the Fair Oaks Pig Adventure Center.
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Hog Outlook: Corn, soybeans at record highs
Hog prices declined again last week. The national average negotiated carcass price for direct delivered hogs on Friday morning report was $87.37 per hundredweight, down $1.09 from the previous Friday. Retail pork prices in June declined for the fourth consecutive month.
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- Corn and soybean prices continue to retrace 2012 drought rally
- Swine virus confirmed in Iowa, Indiana hog herds
- Premium Standard Farms Founder Dies Unexpectedly
- USDA says has detected virus in Iowa hog population
- Commentary: GMOs: How do I hate thee?
- Weather report: Rain spreads across the Corn Belt
