Industry
Models split as to strength of episode this winter.
After years of struggling to earn a profit, pork producers could find themselves back in the black, says a Purdue Extension economist.
USDA is predicting 2012 pork imports and exports will be close to this year’s level.
United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on December 1, 2011 was 65.9 million head.
Year-to-date pork production up 1.1% from year-ago, beef production down 0.3%.
The food price index rose from last month, but the drop in energy was more than offsetting.
USTR says they are considering appealing the panel’s decision.
Consumers’ attitude toward economy, job market improve.
Says Districts reported mostly favorable ag conditions.
Restaurant operators optimistic about growth in the months ahead.
A repeating pattern is forming to bring more active weather.
This is good news for red meat demand as restaurant owners are more optimistic.
The normal season pattern is for a 15% drop in pork cutout from early September to late October.
Dressed cattle weights still 10 lbs. lighter than year-ago; hog weights down 3 lbs. from year-ago.
Stronger hog prices and lower feed costs have put the pork outlook back into the black for the coming year.
Pork imports expected to rise 8% in 2012 due to continued strong demand.
Cold Storage Report positive for cattle and hog futures.
The answer will depend on many factors including the size of the U.S. corn crop.
Livestock producers soon might be facing a critical decision: whether they should reduce their use of corn for feed.
Pork producers are maintaining the size of the breeding herd in the face of a very uncertain financial outlook.
International pork trade is going well, plus added optimism that China potentially will buy a lot of U.S. pork in coming months.
Pork prices are on the rise as international exports increase and high feed costs are passed on to consumers.
AgDay is dedicating Friday’s entire show to coverage of the World Pork Expo.
Vilsack: It’s important for the entire nation to understand and appreciate the condition and state of rural America.
USDA’s Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report showed inventory of all hogs and pigs on March 1, 2011 was 64.0 million head.