Bullish feeder pig prices could signal an expected return to improved profitability for hog production later this year.   The 17 January National Direct Feeder Pig Report showed the weighted average (cash and formula) price of 10-12 pound early weaned pigs was $82.37 per head on a cash basis and $76.24 per head on a formula basis for a weighted average of $80.50 per head. The 40-pound feeder pig price was $98.98 per head on a cash basis. Early weaned pigs are up from a cash price of $35.43 per head and the formula price is up from $43.43 per head from the same week a year ago. Cash prices for 40-pound pigs doubled from last year’s $49.42 per head and the price for 10-12-pound pigs more than doubled, up $46.94 per head...

TAGS – Livestock, North America