Latest News From Hog Prices-Markets

In the fast-paced world of business, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations, but true success lies in working on your business, not just in it.

"I can't tell you if I can fit a metric ton of carbon equivalents in my front pocket," says Chris Hostetler. Carbon is not visible, so data is critical to back up carbon asset claims for innovations coming to market.

Pork producers often think about meat as the only commodity they produce. But Chris Hostetler at the National Pork Board argues they produce so much more and deserve to see benefits for their efforts.

The nation's pork producers are feeling the fallout of California’s Proposition 12. AgDay’s Michelle Rook said this is a huge blow to the nation's pork producers, especially when it comes to interstate commerce. 

Dr. Vince Malanga shares insights on the U.S. economic outlook, and what areas demand the most attention.

Not only does the Q1 2024 sow and grow-finish data compiled by MetaFarms indicate improved mortality rates, but this past quarter marks the highest quarterly average daily gain (ADG) in the history of MetaFarms data. 

Cash-traded weaner pig reported volume was below average this past week, with 51,210 head reported. Cash weaner pig reported prices were $41.92, down $3.46 per head from last week.

There's no doubt pork production is a noble calling, says Iowa State University extension swine specialist Colin Johnson. But the reality remains that farmers still have to cover production costs and earn a living. 

U.S. pork exports to Central America were outstanding in 2023, and the momentum is continuing in 2024. One of the reasons for this growth is an increased focus on showing targeted consumers how to properly prepare pork.

China's pork output eased in January-March from a year earlier, the first quarterly decline in nearly four years, as farmers slaughtered fewer pigs to support a recovery in hog prices.

Cash-traded feeder pig reported volume was above average this past week, with 17,330 head reported. Cash feeder pig reported prices were $103.01, up $5.63 per head from last week.

After 17 consecutive months in the red, pork production is returning to profitability, says Brian Earnest,  lead economist, animal protein for CoBank Knowledge Exchange Division.

Catch the soulful flavor of pork. Celebra tu cultura y Ponle Pork a tu vida. Why is the Pork Checkoff focused on creating messages like this focused on the multicultural consumer more than ever right now? 

Cash-traded feeder pig reported volume was below average this past week, with 8,885 head reported. Cash feeder pig reported prices were $97.38, down $0.76 per head from last week.

Strong global demand for U.S. pork has been been a bright spot for the industry. Fueled by growth in the Western Hemisphere, South Korea and Australia, U.S. pork exports posted another excellent performance in February.

“Anything worth doing, is worth doing badly.” This quote is a reminder that any undertaking that is important cannot wait for ideal circumstances before proceeding. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.

There are moments when stakeholders may disagree with the direction commodity organizations take, says Steve Malakowsky. His suggestion is simple: if you seek change and don’t align with the trajectory, get involved.

Taking the Hogs and Pigs Report into account, along with USDA’s recent report of intentions to plant 4.6 million fewer corn acres this spring and tighter than expected corn stocks, the pork outlook is fairly bearish.

Pork and beef exports of $18.1 billion in 2023 had a significant impact on the corn and soybean industries, according to an independent study conducted by The Juday Group and released by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

A North Carolina pork producer and NPPC's Holly Cook presented to members of Congress on the economic and on-farm impacts of California Proposition 12 and Massachusetts Question 3. Here's why it matters.

Cash-traded weaner pig reported volume was above average this past week, with 71,525 head reported. Cash feeder pig reported prices were $48.41, down $1.39 per head from last week.

Of all the numbers in the latest USDA Hogs and Pigs Report, the number that caught economists’ eye was pigs saved per litter. Here's why Steve Meyer, Ever. Ag senior economists, says this is a number to watch.

With pork producers facing prolonged economic headwinds, recent USDA commodity purchases of pork offer relief at pivotal times. It’s important to understand how these programs work, says NPPC president Lori Stevermer.

China's pig herd will remain in surplus this year despite new government targets to tame oversupply, officials said, as the world's biggest pig breeder struggles to stage a recovery for multi-year low hog prices.

In Seoul, South Korea, an agribusiness trade mission organized by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service is underway. Here's what's going on across the world right now.

Cash-traded feeder pig reported volume was above average this past week, with 30,075 head reported. Cash feeder pig reported prices were $94.21, up $1.53 per head from last week.

Of the eight accomplishments USDA APHIS recently acknowledged in their efforts to protect U.S. agriculture and natural resources in 2023, three specifically address the U.S. pork industry.

Cash traded weaner pig volume was above average this week with 101,425 head being reported, which is 157% of the 52-week average.

Cash-traded feeder pig reported volume was above average this past week, with 17,310 head reported. Cash feeder pig reported prices were $92.74, up $7.29 per head from last week.

Pork producers rely on enforcement of the PSA, which was enacted to protect competition in the meat and poultry industries, ensuring fair markets and competitive pricing opportunities.

MOSCOW, March 7 (Reuters) - Russia said on Thursday that it had sent 27 tonnes of pork to China, the first exports of the meat there since Beijing imposed a ban on Russian pork nearly 15 years ago due to African Swine

The story of American corn and soybean production is a key tool in marketing U.S. red meat overseas. U.S. Meat Export Federation Chair Randy Spronk explained why at the Commodity Classic last week.

Cash-traded weaner pig reported volume was above average this past week, with 75,519 head reported. Cash weaner pig reported prices were $56.50, up $0.88 per head from last week.

The chairman of New Hope Group, one of China's biggest pig breeders, said he is "optimistic" hog prices will pull out of a multi-year slump this year as government policies to stimulate the market take effect.

China issued new regulations to control the nation's pig production capacity after an aggressive expansion of farms over the past two years led to an oversupply, a move that could reduce the world's largest pig herd.

Brazilian poultry and pork processor BRF SA turned a profit of $165.26 million in the final three months of 2023, ending a seven-quarter losing streak.

Cash-traded feeder pig reported volume was above average this past week, with 14,133 head reported. Cash feeder pig reported prices were $78.23, up $3.92 per head from last week.

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. 

Were 2023 pork exports a blip – an unexpected, temporary deviation from the general trend? Courtney Knupp, National Pork Board’s vice president of international market development, says not by a long shot. 

Denmark's farmers on Wednesday voiced concerns that plans to levy a carbon emission tax on farming as part of efforts to meet Denmark's ambitious climate goals would force them to reduce production and close farms.

Exports were a shining star for the U.S. pork industry in 2023, says National Pork Board's Courtney Knupp. And with the market dynamics at play, that means a lot to a U.S. pork producer’s bottom line.  

Cash-traded weaner pig reported volume was below average this past week, with 58,053 head reported. Cash weaner pig reported prices were $52.73, up $3.50 per head from last week.

To be most effective at reducing variation, it’s important to consider its causes. If we can begin to manage these causes before placement in finishing, we’ll increase the positive impact at marketing.

There will be chaos in the U.S. meat marketplace without congressional action on California's Prop 12 law that tightened animal welfare requirements for pork products sold in the state, says U.S. Secretary of Ag Vilsack.

Production will slow in 2024 as the sow herd contracts in some regions, Rabobank says. Analysts suggest this may result in a decline or flat production in 2024, with disease pressures adding to the industry's challenges.

Cash-traded feeder pig reported volume was above average this past week, with 15,675 head reported. Cash feeder pig reported prices were $67.47, up $10.15 per head from last week.

Matt England, president and CEO of Triumph Foods, is thrilled on the progress a federal judge's ruling has brought for the pork industry, but he says it's more meaningful than just pigs and pork chops.

In 2023, pork producers did a better job of managing risk and that’s made a big difference. Steve Meyer says this is one of the reasons he hasn’t heard of many wholesale bankruptcies this year despite negative margins.

Agriculture, anti-corruption, digital trade, good regulatory practices, standards collaboration, trade facilitation and customs procedures were a few topics addressed during a third round of negotiations with the USTR.

Since the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill lapsed in December 2020, U.S. businesses have paid more than $1.5 billion in tariffs on imported products, affecting jobs and raising prices for consumer. Here's why it matters to you.