We expect continued record sales to China, as they try to fill the giant pork shortfall caused by African swine fever (ASF). The US has the largest source of pork available for China relative to other countries, consequently China will buy American pork at record levels. China’s pork demand will set record hog prices in the USA and most, if not all, pork-producing countries over the next while.

Other observations

Rabobank, the world’s largest Ag leader, expects China pork production losses to be between 25 to 35 percent. This loss is at least 30 percent larger than the annual US pork production and nearly as large as Europe’s. Rabobank estimates China's net supply gap to about 10 million metric tonnes in 2019. This will increase prices. The US exported 2.437 million plus metric tonnes to all countries in 2018.

Some farmer arithmetic: US exports are about 27 percent of its total pork production. 2.437 million tonnes total exported in 2018 divided by 27 percent, one percent of US production is 90,250 metric tonnes.

Last week’s China export of 77,732 metric tonnes is almost one percent of US annual pork production. China is going to be short about 10 million metric tonnes according to Rabobank.

Let’s assume the US could supply 10 percent of the shortfall, which would be one million metric tonnes. That would be over 10 percent of US annual pork production. We expect that one million metric tonnes is a low number. No wonder hog prices have jumped substantially and we expect them to continue climbing.

According to Ministry Agriculture in China; the China sow inventory declined 2.3 percent in February (800,000) compared to a year ago, It’s down 21 percent (7 million). A Greater decline than the total US sow inventory, and still declining.

A year ago 53-54 percent lean hogs were 52.18 ¢ per pound. This year four weeks ago 53-54 percent lean hogs were 78.73 ¢ per pound. The difference is $50 plus for a market hog. Amazing.

Last week, US cash early weans averaged $65.56 and 40 lb. feeder pigs $100.17. I don’t think I ever saw early weans this high to be October market hogs but with October lean hog futures at 93.175 ¢ per pound, we expect to see even higher small pig prices yet.

A couple times recently we have written of the problem reporting Chlamydia in gilts, leading to a high percentage of non-cycling females. A huge economic loss. Last week we got reports that about 30,000 sows of multiplication were going to be liquidated in an attempt to fix this huge problem. If correct this will remove over 200,000 gilts annually from the US supply chain. We feel for the producers; not only have they had the issue of Chlamydia devastating production and leading to loss of gilts sales, now they are going to reportedly de-pop at the time of record hog prices. A double whammy. Best you figure how not to bring this scourge into your farm.

With higher hog prices the economic benefit of faster growth and lower mortality is magnified. European genetics have been selected for maximum FCR which leads to slower growth, lower appetite and in turn higher mortality.

Genesus has always followed the concept of rapid growth and lower wean to finish mortality as the way to maximum profitability in North America.

With the market we see today and for the next while, we are glad to have chosen our unique path.

World Pork Expo

Last week the World Pork Expo was cancelled due to the risk of ASF. We expect not an easy decision. This means trade show cancelled but we understand the show pig event is still on? Seems bizarre to us. The greatest risk of ASF is it getting into pigs. The show pigs are brought to the site then they are taken back home?

A few weeks ago in Oklahoma the show pig event got PED. So much for high health. Have to say we don’t get it. Never could figure why the World Pork Expo had a show pig event at the same time as a major commercial trade show, exposing all participants to the pig health of multiple pigs from multiple farms.

Observation: we were at trade show in Spain three weeks ago, just about as big as World Pork Expo. ASF is in Europe, the show went on. Spain, the world’s third largest producer, has experienced ASF in the 60s – 70s, they know what it is.

The Europeans get it right!

The European Parliament has approved a labelling proposal that would ban the use of meaty-terms, including burger, hamburger, sausage and steak to describe plant-based foods. The regulations passed with 80 percent approval. Terms such as 'veggie disc' or 'veggie tubes' would be used.

Now, the North American Meat Industry should push to do the same. If someone wants to call something that is fabricated, let them develop their own labels. We must work to defend our product and livelihood from those who wish to use our product names and enrich themselves at our expense. Veggie disc is way more appropriate than Beyond Meat Burger.