Jerry Klassen

1 2 U. S. PORK QUARTERLY PRODUCTION (MILLION POUNDS) U. S. PORK SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION (MILLION POUNDS) 3 4 Beginning Stocks Production Imports Total Supply Exports Domestic Consumption Ending Stocks 2008 6024 5593 5632 6098 2009 5875 5500 5545 6090 2006 494 21075 990 22559 2995 19050 514 2007 514 21962 968 23444 3141 19767 […] Read more

In the previous issue, I mentioned that producers should look at expanding or rebuilding their cow herds this year. The price outlook is positive for calves and feeder cattle from here forward. However, the outlook is constrained by the economic uncertainty and is based on the economy turning around in 2010. The function of the […] Read more

Feeder cattle prices in Western Canada have been percolating higher over the past month. Steady buying interest from finishing feedlots along with lower available numbers has set a positive tone. I’m advising cow calf producers that this is the time to start rebuilding the herds. The US and bulk of Canadian industry appears to be […] Read more

The deteriorating economy continues to weigh on the hog complex. However, despite lower restaurant demand, retail movement has actually increased resulting in slightly higher cash prices. Talking with hog producers in Manitoba, apparently some producers had positive margins for the first time in nearly 18 months. This appears to have renewed the enthusiasm and the […] Read more

Supplies of market ready cattle are down from year ago levels , but the cattle market remains under pressure due to softer demand. Consumer confidence remains at record lows and unemployment numbers continue to grow. Cash cattle prices are expected to remain stable in the short term and then trend lower into June. Values in […] Read more

Canadian hog industry continues to move through a contraction phase. Despite the lower hog numbers, the market remains under pressure due to lower consumer incomes. The economy continues to deteriorate and it appears that we may see higher unemployment numbers over the next six to eight months. Exports are also slowing due to weakening demand […] Read more

Fed cattle were trading in the range of $86 to $88 for the week ending February 14. The market appears to have strengthened on better than expected demand and tighter market-ready supplies. USDA reported wholesale values at the lowest levels since Sept 9, 2005. Choice product was quoted at $135.76/ cwt and select product at […] Read more

US Broiler Production (Million pounds) US Pork Production (Million pounds) Cash hog prices appear to be stabilizing in line with seasonal tendency to strengthen into the second quarter. The USDA recently made revisions to their expected production and the demand has also improved due to lower poultry and beef supplies. Pork is still the most […] Read more

The cash cattle market appears to have stabilized for the time being. Fed steers were trading at $82 in the US Southern Plains while the carcass trade was quoted at $132 in Nebraska. At the same time, market ready cattle were selling in the range of $85 to $87 in Alberta. Supplies of market ready […] Read more

In the previous issue, I mentioned that weaker demand would result in lower hog prices. Analysts now see further deterioration in the economy and this will continue to pressure the hog market. Export interest for pork products remains sluggish as the US recession continues to set a negative tone around the globe. Uncertainty over the […] Read more