June 1, 2009

US hog prices under the weather 

The latest USDA Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook report has revised forecasted second-quarter US hog prices downward to reflect the negative effects of the AH1N1 flu virus, to average 45US cents per pound, down 14 percent on the same time last year.

Prices are expected to stage a recovery in the third quarter as fears about the AH1N1 flu subside and pork demand domestically and abroad improve. While hog prices are forecast to average higher from the second quarter, at 51US cents per pound, this remains 11 percent below year ago levels.