Livestock Risk Partners

Coming off a monster year in which shipments topped $2.5 billion in value for the first time, pork exports to Mexico continued to climb in January, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF). 

The Trump administration said on Monday it plans to permanently allow US poultry and pork processing plants to operate more quickly, raising concerns among advocacy groups about worker health and food safety, reported Reuters. 

Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) cattle futures fell back on Friday on a technical dip after multiple days of rallies sent most contracts to lifetime highs during the week, reported Reuters. 

A quick round-up of headlines in the pork industry.

The lean hog futures market the past two weeks has seen choppy and sideways trading action. Some mild technical selling pressure has occurred this week after prices Monday challenged stiff overhead resistance but could not push above it.

Erika-Lundy Woolfolk, ISU extension beef specialist for southwest Iowa, is coordinating the workshop and said attendees will benefit from the variety of topics addressed.

The one-page publication IBC 150 is available at no charge from the ISU Extension store.

Key reports that farmers should watch which could have significant impacts on commodity markets the week of March 23, 2025.

Swine viral pathogens such as PRRSV and PEDV pose significant economic challenges to the swine industry.

At midday Friday, the Choice cutout was $317.87 down $1.82 from Thursday and up $3.56 from a week ago. The Select cutout was $306.32 down $1.15 from Thursday and up $0.23 from a week ago. The Choice Select spread was $11.55 compared to $8.22 a week ago.