NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — New research from Rabobank says the global pork industry is taking a cautious approach to growth. This year, researchers say producers are refocusing on productivity and cost control.
Production is expected to rise in the first half of the year, led by modest gains in the United States, Europe, China, and Brazil, before slowing in the second half due to herd reductions, especially in China and Spain.
Trade remains volatile amid shifting import policies and disease pressures, including African Swine Fever and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), keeping expansion plans in check.
Related Stories
Corn demand received another boost last week as ethanol production climbed to a five-week high.
The lockout has not yet signaled a major disruption in the cattle market, but processing reliability remains important in a tight beef supply chain.
American Farm Bureau economist Bernt Nelson says consumers are still buying meat despite ongoing price pressures.
Analysts say drought, tight cattle supplies and summer grilling demand continue shaping the protein market outlook.
New data from ag-tech company Bushel suggests younger producers are beginning to play a larger role in farm decision-making across the country.
Soybeans accounted for nearly half of the $15 billion in losses on U.S. ag exports to China due to tariffs, according to researchers at North Dakota State University.