Hog Production
Grilling season set to kick off as both packers and cattle feeders operating with profitable margins. Pork producers continue the struggle to reach profitability.
Cattle feeders experience largest average profits in seven years as packer margins dip into the red.
Cattle feeders saw average profits of more than $300 per head last week while pork producers found average losses of about $13 per head.
Cattle feeders sold more cattle last week than any week this year and at the highest price in history. Pork producers saw modest profits.
Profit margins for cattle feeders and packers continue pacing in opposite directions as shrinking supplies of market-ready cattle drive negotiated cash prices higher.
Packers have navigated through the tightest supplies of the season while maintaining profitability. Now, supplies are anticipated to increase seasonally which could swing more leverage in their favor.
Cash cattle prices declined last week for the first time in a month, but wholesale prices moved higher for the fifth consecutive week. Prices for yearling feeder cattle placed on feed topped $200 per cwt.
If a seasonal price decline develops as anticipated, this year’s starting point for cattle feeders is the best in a decade. Pork producers notch their second week of modest profits.
Wholesale beef prices continue to support packer margins even as negotiated cash cattle trade well-above the five-year average. Pork producers enjoy a market rally that has lifted margins out of the red.
Kelsey Hammers, a Ph.D. student at the University of Minnesota, is studying the impact of high zinc supplementation to gestating sows on sow and piglet performance, specifically the effects on piglet mortality.
Adequate colostrum intake after birth helps promote piglet survival. As litter sizes increase, the demand for colostrum proportionately increases to achieve this desired intake. Here are three ways to improve intake.
The USDA’s June Hogs and Pigs report holds some slightly bearish surprises; however, most are fairly small deviations from pre-report expectations, says Jason Franken, ag economist at Western Illinois University.
Producer farrowing intentions revealed in Thursday’s quarterly hogs and pigs report show high costs and negative margins are weighing on pork producers.
The Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor is a new survey of nearly 50 economists. Most ag economists agree the next 12 months could produce more financial pressure for agriculture, but their views vary depending on commodity.
Productivity tends to drop in the summer with reduced feed intake, lower finishing weights and increases in mortality. We have to provide other ways they can cool themselves. Here’s a checklist to prepare your barn.
How is Platform Vaccine technology like a pod beverage maker? Find out more about Medgene’s announcement at World Pork Expo regarding vaccine development.
One of the most talked-about questions at the 2023 World Pork Expo wasn’t about Proposition 12 or which new technology to implement.
For some people, getting up in front of people to talk is no problem. For others, it’s the stuff nightmares are made of. Not everyone has the gift of gab or is comfortable sharing their story.
Although anything is possible given the volatility in the markets, economist Scott Brown says it will take a combination of lower corn prices and stronger U.S. pork demand to result in profitability for pork producers.
Why did those three young people choose the swine industry? I think it starts with people they met, network they developed and opportunity they had to tie a career to an industry they benefited from as a kid.
Outside perspectives can breathe fresh life and insight into your business. Ten industry leaders in technology, economics, nutrition and health share advice for producers during a pivotal time in the pork industry.
From profit margins to FADs, there are a lot of things on producers’ minds. Five pork producers weigh in on topics ranging from what they’d like to change about their operation to the messages lawmakers need to hear.
Acuity and Fast Genetics, two swine genetics companies wholly owned by STgenetics, officially announced their joint brand, AcuFast, on June 1.
A K-State graduate student has completed a study on dietary formulation strategies that she says will help to improve sustainability and efficiency in swine production.
While cattle prices continue to post contract highs, hog prices continue to see intense pressure, and it’s creating a dismal outlook for pork profits this year. What’s behind the price pressure? Analysts weigh in.
Elanco Animal Health has entered into an agreement with Aptimmune Biologics, Inc., as the exclusive distributor of their Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) inactivated, or killed, vaccine.
Warmer temperatures and rain means mosquito season is underway in many parts of the country. With an increase in mosquitoes comes an increase in bites. Here are five tips to protect your home from mosquitoes.
U.S. Senators introduced the Feral Swine Eradication Act on May 16, which would extend and make permanent a pilot program to safeguard public health, agriculture and local ecosystems against the threat of feral swine.
Missouri pork producer Scott Hays says he doesn’t anticipate making the changes needed to his pig farm to become Proposition 12 compliant.
Are you tired of recurring health issues in your herd? If you want to improve pig health in your herd, it may mean you need to make some changes.