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.
The hog and pork market has fallen into its usual late-year pattern of larger supplies and lower prices. Harvest totals have moderated somewhat after an uptick in early November. Hog weights are an area to watch in the coming weeks. The latest data showed the IA/MN average live weight of butcher hogs at 293.8 pounds, making it the third highest on record. The pork cutout averaged $96.55 last week, and that was $2.73 lower. There are still questions regarding the trade agreement with China. There has not been much talk about where or how pork fits into the equation. There is speculation that China’s hog herd has recovered from the disease issues that began there in 2018. If that is the case, their needs will be focused more on feed than pork. Lean Hog futures made significant gains during 2025 but recent volatility and pressure have caused prices to reverse course and are now where they were at the beginning of the year.
