There is a lot of uncertainty right now in most sectors of the ag industry, including swine. One group says producers are cautiously optimistic.
“It’s really been a tale of the last 24 months. We’ve gone through one of the worst downturns in this economy and this swine industry that we’ve seen probably in the last 30 or 40 years. We’ve kind of come out of that with lower feed costs, corn, soybean meal, and we see production kind of getting itself back straightened out. Guys are really optimistic about what ’25 is going to give us. The first half has been very successful, and I would say the second half, there’s a lot of cautious optimism as we continue forward. Guys are thinking very positively as we go through ’25,” said Chris Ford.
Ford says producers can do a number of things this year to stay afloat, like good bookkeeping and proper risk management, but he says there is one more important component.
“Just making sure that we’re adhering to the best and highest technology around biosecurity because production is going to be key as we go through. So those are probably the three biggest things that I encourage guys to continue to focus on going forward.”
Swine producers are not the only ones holding out hope for the rest of the year. This month’s ag economy barometer showed an improvement in producer sentiment. The strong numbers came on optimism on future trade deals.
Meat stocks rose seasonally but remain below last year overall, while tighter butter inventories could support dairy prices, and belly stocks warrant close watch for pork markets.
January 26, 2026 03:00 PM
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Heavier weights and strong late-year slaughter supported December production, but lower annual totals highlight ongoing supply tightness heading into 2026.
January 26, 2026 11:19 AM
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USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
January 23, 2026 03:39 PM
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Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
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Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
January 20, 2026 08:00 AM
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Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features swine competition with top exhibitors, including Grand Champion Brinley Wilson, ahead of Saturday’s premium sale.
January 15, 2026 04:07 PM
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China’s beef policy risk stems from domestic volatility, making export demand inherently unstable. Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on cattle markets, risk management, and producer sentiment.
January 13, 2026 02:13 PM
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Strong pork demand and improving beef exports outside China support protein markets despite ongoing trade barriers.
January 13, 2026 06:00 AM
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Protein markets are fragmenting. Beef is supply-driven and more structurally expensive, whereas pork and poultry remain price-competitive.
January 10, 2026 07:00 AM
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