While America’s ranchers work to rebuild the cattle herd, economists say something is brewing with hogs.
New data shows the U.S. hog herd could be ready to expand. They have been crunching the numbers and say feed costs are the largest indicator right now.
“The hog-to-corn price ratio just rounds up to 20 for the last two quarters. Last Friday’s closing prices for the same month’s hog and corn futures contracts suggest ratios exceeding 27 in July and 20 in December 2025, and remaining above 20 in May 2026. If such levels persist, perhaps some breeding herd growth could be observed in subsequent quarterly reports,” said Jason Franken.
Franken has been studying these numbers for a while now. He says that if those levels keep up, future reports could show breeding herd growth down the line.
Jose de Jesus explains the National Pork Board’s new campaign, “Taste What Pork Can Do,” which aims to build long-term engagement with Millennial and Gen-Z consumers.
April 01, 2026 01:16 PM
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Strong Easter demand supports protein and crop markets.
March 31, 2026 10:00 AM
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Productivity gains are supporting supply despite limited herd expansion.
March 26, 2026 03:23 PM
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Young exhibitors balance school and months of preparation as they compete at one of Texas’s largest livestock events.
March 26, 2026 03:13 PM
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Tight red meat supplies continue supporting livestock markets.
March 26, 2026 10:50 AM
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From barns to show rings, producers and students say that livestock events offer economic opportunity and life lessons. Let’s take a look at some shows across the southeast in Georgia, Virginia and Louisiana.
March 18, 2026 04:21 PM
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