Lean Hog Futures Rise Amid Strong Demand and Market Data

Lean hog futures are trading 67 cents to a dollar higher at midday on Friday, excluding the less active May contract. Preliminary open interest increased by 3,201 contracts on Thursday. The USDA reported the national average base hog negotiated price at $92.23 on Friday morning, reflecting a 21-cent decrease from the previous day. The CME Lean Hog Index is projected to rise an additional 32 cents for April 30, reaching $89.57. This price movement is supported by better-than-expected employment numbers, which underpin demand expectations.

Pork Cutout Values and Slaughter Data

The Friday morning FOB plant values for pork cutout increased by $2.96 per 100 pounds on a carcass basis, now at $99.42. All primals, excluding the picnics, are quoted higher this morning. Additionally, the USDA estimated Thursday’s federally inspected hog slaughter at 483,000 head, bringing the weekly total to 1.938 million head. This figure marks an increase of 150,000 head from the previous week and is 23,810 head higher than the same week last year.

Current Lean Hog Future Prices

May 25 Hogs are priced at $92.775, up $0.375.

Jun 25 Hogs are at $99.600, increasing by $1.425.

Jul 25 Hogs stand at $100.825, a rise of $1.900.

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not hold (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article are for informational purposes only. For more information, please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.

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