Hogs - General
U.S. inventory of all hogs and pigs on Sept. 1, 2012 was 67.5 million head; up slightly from same time last year and up 3 percent from June.
Pork producers are expected to continue to suffer very large losses after already operating in the red for the last six months.
Rising feed costs are increasing herd liquidation, raising pork production to levels that is stressing pork cutout values.
Beef exports in July largest of the year.
The combination of high feed costs and low prices paid to pork producers is hitting the hog industry hard. See how record losses are fueling one producer’s management decisions.
USDA says slaughter data suggests sow slaughter has not been significant.
Traders look for All Hogs & Pigs at 100.7% of year-ago levels.
Pork exports in terms of volume also up, but beef exports in terms of volume slips.
Also notes that drought has impacted conditions in the Midwest.
Specialist answers questions re: testing corn for feed.
United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2012 was 65.8 million head.
Drought and the impact on feed prices may be on the verge of creating a financial disaster for the pork industry and other livestock species.
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.
This should help counter a bearish Cattle on Feed Report.
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.