US pork value hits highest in nearly three years - USMEF

Jun 03, 2024

US March pork export value per head slaughtered soared to $70.85, up 12% from a year ago, the highest in nearly three years and the fifth highest on record, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

This pushed the first quarter average to $64.25, up 7%. Exports accounted for 32.2% of total March pork production and 27.9% for muscle cuts, up significantly from the year-ago ratios of 29.1% and 25%, respectively.

First quarter exports accounted for 29.9% of total production and 25.8% for muscle cuts, up from 28.2% and 24.1%, respectively, a year ago.

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Video: Season 7, Episode 1: Managing Risk and Seeing Opportunities in U.S. Pork Production

Today’s episode features three guests discussing the similarities and differences between pork production in the United States and Brazil, along with strategies for managing risk in today’s industry while recognizing and acting on opportunities. First, Dr. Anne Caroline de Lara, executive manager of live pig production at Seara Alimentos, a JBS company in Brazil, is joined by Dr. Matthew Turner, head of operations for JBS Live Pork. Together, they discuss how labor, climate and ventilation challenges vary between Brazil and the United States, while underscoring their shared commitment to raising healthy pigs. They also point to lessons producers in both countries can take from one another’s systems and on-farm experiences. Then, Brady Reicks, risk manager at Reicks View Farms, shares his perspective on risk management, drawing from his background in markets and his transition into farming. He discusses how protecting margins varies by operation and offers practical approaches producers can use to make marketing and business decisions with greater confidence rather than hesitation.

Both conversations were recorded at recent industry events focused on swine livability, including the International Conference on Pig Livability and Iowa Swine Day.