HOGS The USDA is releasing weekly slaughter data that was unavailable through the government shutdown. On average, through mid-November, sow slaughter has been around 57,400 head per week, which is about 3,400 head, or 5.6 percent lower than the weekly average of about 60,800 head per week in 2024. Through mid-November, weekly sow slaughter has totaled nearly 2.6 million head, down more than 152,000 head, also 5.6 percent lower than the same period last year. The lower sow slaughter has contributed to sow prices remaining above levels one year ago each week this year, except for one week in late June. Sow prices peaked at $100.24/cwt in late August, which was an increase of $26.59/cwt, up 36 percent, compared to the same week a year ago. Fr...