Pork Prices Looking Up

Feb 25, 2016

Recent strong export demand for U.S. pork is helping to push hog prices higher on this side of the border.

Brad Marceniuk, a provincial livestock economist with the Saskatchewan government, said Canadian prices for slaughter weight hogs have rebounded about 30% from their lows in November and December – mainly due to excess North American pork supplies being reduced by relatively heavier American export sales over the previous few months.

U.S. pork exports posted a strong finish in 2015 as December volume was the largest since April and the third-largest of the year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. However, for the full calendar year, U.S. pork exports were down 2% from a year ago in volume (2.13 million tonnes) and 16% lower in value (US$5.58 billion).

While Marceniuk acknowledged the value of U.S. exports have been limited by currency issues, he added that volumes have definitely moved higher more recently.

U.S. hogs slaughtered under federal inspection for the week ending Feb. 20 were estimated 2.294 million head, up 0.6% from the previous week, and almost 1% above the same week a year ago.
“This helped clean up some of the supplies that were on hand,” Marceniuk said.

Source: Syngenta

Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

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