Weekly Hog Market Update: Price Gains and Steady Slaughter Rates Define North American Markets

Nov 18, 2024

Ontario Market Highlights: The Ontario market saw a rise in the 100% Base Formula Price, reaching $226.88, compared to $219.71 last week and significantly above last year’s price of $190.28. Weaned pig and feeder pig values are also trending upwards, now accounting for 26% and 41.25% of the Base Formula Price, respectively.

Canadian Market Overview: Quebec’s Pool Price and Manitoba’s Calculated Hog Value experienced slight increases as well, with the Canadian dollar stabilizing around 0.7188 USD. National hog slaughter numbers reached 429,756, marking a slight uptick from previous weeks but remaining below historical highs.

U.S. Market Snapshot: Federally inspected hog slaughter in the U.S. remained steady at 2.6 million, showing a 1% increase year-over-year. The USDA Pork Carcass Cutout slightly decreased to $101.59, with lean hog futures displaying moderate adjustments across contract months.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.