News - Hog Prices

A U.S. based agricultural economist suggests Mexico, Russia and China will be the key markets to watch during 2010 as North American pork produces strive to improve the profitability of their farms.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture predicts reduced production and steady demand will result in improved live hog prices moving into 2010.

A U.S. based agricultural economist projects improved hog prices in 2010 but that the losses will continue to outpace the profits.

Manitoba Pork Marketing suggests, while any reductions in Canadian hog production will positively impact prices, the Americans will need to reduce their herd to stimulate any substantial price spikes.

The Manitoba Pork Marketing Cooperative reports the futures markets suggest break even hog prices by February or March and a return to profitability in April, May and June.

A Des Moines, Iowa based agricultural economist says further reductions will be needed in the North American breeding herd to push up hog prices and restore profitability.

Trends in U.S. hog slaughter numbers, pork production and meat in cold storage are expected to be the key factors influencing live hog prices heading into 2010.

A U.S. based agricultural economist is confident, despite the current economic squeeze, the long term outlook for North American pork production remains positive.

The Saskatchewan Pork Development Board says reductions in Canadian pork production will have to matched in the United States to have any impact on North American live hog prices.

A livestock Economist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture says export demand for pork will be key to improving hog prices over the next few months.