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
Hog prices were down slightly last week. Feeder pig prices have been coming off their recent highs. The pork cutout has not been able to match the robust gains seen in beef. Last week’s cutout average of $96.24 was .77 cents lower and weakness has carried over into this week. The lackluster performance of the cutout amid lower pork production has put a damper on the cash market. Last week’s estimated harvest of 2.428 million hogs was 81,000 fewer than the previous week and 93,000 fewer than a year ago. USDA’s Monthly Slaughter report showed both pork production and hog harvest to be 7% less than it was in February 2024. The average live weight was 291 pounds, 1 pound heavier than last year. Overall red meat production in February was 7% lower than the same month last year.
