The recent volatility in lean hog futures — from fresh contract highs at the end of January to the dramatic early-February selloff — has many in the industry (and WPI clients) wondering what will happen next. WPI’s latest analysis indicates that while pork demand remains strong, the market strength and sentiment that propelled futures to new contract highs earlier this year have matured, limiting the potential for additional gains through FH 2026.  Supply-Side Factors  Supplies of market-ready hogs have remained relatively steady since 2022, with the industry confident in its ability to meet domestic and export demand from a stable breeding herd. Hog inventories have trended slowly higher over the past four years...