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.
March pork gains lifted total meat production, but first-quarter output still ran below last year.
April 29, 2026 07:00 AM
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House lawmakers push toward a Farm Bill vote as debate grows over E15, Prop 12, and input costs, with farmers seeking certainty and policy updates.
April 28, 2026 02:42 PM
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March cold storage data showed generally tighter year-over-year stock levels across several key meat and dairy categories.
April 28, 2026 06:00 AM
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Meredith Petersen joined us to discuss the National Swine Health Strategy, how it was developed through industry collaboration, potential challenges ahead, and its expected benefits for pork producers.
April 27, 2026 03:05 PM
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Lower slaughter numbers reduced 2025 red meat output even with heavier cattle and hogs.
April 27, 2026 07:00 AM
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Corn export demand remains supportive, but weak pork and rice sales show uneven global demand trends.
April 24, 2026 08:00 AM
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