Latest News From Steve Malakowsky

Examining Iowa State’s “Estimated Returns to Farrow to Finish” profitability chart, along with the multitude of calls and discussions I’ve had with producers, paints a stark picture of the industry’s challenges. 

When talking to pork producers over this past year, Steve Malakowsky says the theme has been consistent.

Producers are grappling with significant challenges, and the hope for a turnaround in 2024 is paramount. Producers have witnessed unprecedented losses, leading to financial difficulties and prompting some to exit.

As October unfolds, some producers might wonder if they can continue to weather the financial storm until more profitable times. Take a moment to reflect on these pork industry accomplishments and your role within it.

The swine industry’s future was once filled with optimism, expecting a turnaround that would bring back profitable times. However, the first half of 2023 has proven to be the most arduous period in the careers of many.

As recent as March 20, we had $15-per-head profits staring at us for the next 12 months in the futures markets. As it has turned out, this is one of the largest and quickest deterioration in markets I've experienced.

For a family of four, pork has a $2,400 advantage over beef annually. With the quality and taste of pork today, along with the price advantage, as an industry we need to use pork's advantages to increase demand.

One thing is certain in the swine industry: we can always rely on volatility to change things in a very short period of time. Steve Malakowsky explains why he doesn't think this downturn is the next industry disaster.

Looking at the modest profitability of the pork industry over the past four years, it would typically garner discussion of new projects, says Steve Malakowsky of Compeer Financial. Here's why producers are reluctant.

Although it's not time to look at 2022 in review yet, Compeer Financial's Steve Malakowsky offers perspective on their database information through the third quarter of 2022 and why he likes this information best.

A lot of variables go into calculating cost of production. Besides your standard list of inputs, have you also included the cost of inflation? Here's why you need to.

Of all the change Steve Malakowsky has witnessed in the past 25 years, the most important has been next-gen producers making their mark. He offers three things to consider before transitioning to the next generation.

As a lender, I am always concerned about high volatility. However, there is another risk producers face that can have a tremendous impact on day-to-day operations and your profitability: employee retention.

With the extreme volatility the pork industry has seen recently, Steve Malakowsky poses the question: How do you not only survive the unknowns but thrive?

As we review market-based financial statements with our clients and analysts, the question inevitably comes up: “Why is cash flow tight when I am making money?”