AR-News: (US KS) Hog Prices Ride Crest of Strong Exports

[Animalara2003 at aol.com]

Where have these strong hog prices come from? In the first quarter of the 
year, pork production has been up two percent yet prices have been up by a 
remarkable 25 percent. The obvious conclusion is that demand is substantially better 
this year. The most logical explanation would rest with outstanding export 
shipments as a result of the sharply restricted beef exports due to BSE and 
reduced broiler exports since February due to bird flu. 
 
Given the anticipation for record large pork supplies this year, hog prices 
may be riding a crest that cannot be maintained. Production for this year is 
now estimated at 20.3 billion pounds, an increase of about one percent over 
last=s year=s record. Slaughter supplies will be above year-previous levels this 
spring and summer. Higher slaughter supplies will be driven by the three 
percent larger supply of pigs that weighed less than 120 pounds on March 1, 
according to the Hogs and Pigs report just released by USDA. 




full story:

http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content.asp?contentid=1646 
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