USDA Predicting Sharply Lower Hog Prices
January 19, 2015 8:39am
The USDA is forecasting an almost 18 per cent drop in American hog prices this year.
The department says breeding inventory increases and strong producer farrowing intentions suggest overall U-S pork production will be higher this year than last.
It’s forecasting cattle feeders could experience negative returns this year.
High feeder cattle prices are expected to adversely impact cattle feeding profit margins in 2015.
Beef packers are also expected to face tight margins on high fed cattle prices and retail pressure on wholesale cutout values.
The USDA’s latest Livestock , Dairy and Poultry outlook says U-S beef imports in 2014 where the highest since 2007.
Exports last year were nearly even with 2013.