Hopes that hog prices would bounce back next year are fast
fading.
The most recent analyses of national hog numbers indicates
there has been no huge sell-off of sows.
In fact, during October, there were fewer sows marketed this
year than last in the United States;
Paragon Economics founder Steve Meyer and Steiner Consulting
Group principal Len Steiner say a large reduction in the breeding herd seems
less likely “with each passing week“.
While there may be no sharp reduction in sow numbers, their
owners are clearly in weakened financial straits. In Canada, a couple of the
largest ones – Big Sky of Saskatchewan and Paragon of Manitoba - are bankrupt,
but have been sold to meat-packers Olymel and Maple Leaf Foods.
