100-Dollar-Ideas
In a survey of 70 large hog firms, with a total of 3.6 million sows, 17% of sows are currently housed in open pen gestation.
April is best month for beef exports in terms of value.
Warmer temps increase moisture needs, drought to remain.
But increase in pigs-per-litter rate keeps total hog numbers above year-ago.
In terms of value, beef and pork exports climb in first quarter of 2012 compared to last year.
Higher than expected slaughter, heavy carcass weights and soft demand has dampened the normal spring hog price rally.
Shows beef and pork stocks up from month-ago.
A combination of factors has resulted in a disappointing period of financial losses this spring and summer for hog producers.
Importantly, index remains above 100 -- which still reflects expansion.
Yesterday the food super chain announced it would phase out supplier use of gestation stalls by 2022.
Says such decisions will have impacts on American farm families.
Group says food companies haven’t thought through the complexities or implications of their requests.
Says its producers are already working with animal health professionals to assure safe meat supply.
Margin changes effective August 5, 2012.
USDA says that 69,100 farms raised hogs last year, the same number as in 2010.
Report is bearish for hog market, supportive for cattle.
Report expected to show All Hogs & Pigs at 101.7% of year-ago.
Says restaurant owners increasing staff in the months ahead.
Report reaction should be relatively limited.
Cereal supplies improve in spite of tight coarse grains.
Report shows retailers have not yet begun buying hams aggressively for Easter features.
Retail pork prices averaged $3.495 per pound last month, up 3.4¢ from December and 25.4¢ from January 2011.
Index signals growth in the industry continues.
Beige book highlights recent economic activity.
Researchers look at how to balance pork quality with feed economics.