Prepared and written by Jeff Swenson, DATCP Livestock and Meat Specialist. The Market Update draws information from several sources, including trade publications, radio broadcasts, agricultural news services, individuals involved in the industry as well as USDA NASS and AMS reports.
Hogs
The typical seasonal increase of hog harvest and carcass weights is upon us, which in turn has pressured prices. Over the last five years, negotiated carcass hog prices have averaged $13/cwt lower in October than in August, according to an article posted on the National Hog Farmer website written by Ron Plain, Professor Emeritus at the University of Missouri. Plain went on to write that estimated harvest rates over the past eight weeks have been 0.3% lower than last year when estimates had called for a slight increase. The September Hogs and Pigs report indicated winter hog harvest should be 2% lower than last year. Cash hogs were over $2 lower last week. The pork cutout value was $1.72 lower than the previous Friday at $102.70. Feeder pig prices were lower last week, with 10–12-pound pigs averaging $61.75 and 40-pounders averaging $79.69.
