Pig outlook—March 19: Lean hog futures trading turns choppy, sideways

Mar 24, 2025

The lean hog futures market the past two weeks has seen choppy and sideways trading action. Some mild technical selling pressure has occurred this week after prices Monday challenged stiff overhead resistance but could not push above it. Also weighing on futures prices at mid-week is news last week’s hog slaughter levels broke a string of year-to-year reductions that began in late January, as last week’s preliminary kill total was up about 2.4% from year-ago. Limiting selling interest in futures this week is news the National Pork Producers Council said all 300-plus U.S. pork harvesting and cold storage facilities have successfully renewed their registrations to export to China. This five-year renewal ensures continued market access to China for U.S. pork producers. The latest CME lean hog index is up 4 cents to $89.32 as of March 17, ending the string of recent losses.

Latest USDA and other news regarding the global pork industry

U.S. pork exports to China fully restored

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) announced that all 300+ U.S. pork harvesting and cold storage facilities have successfully renewed their registrations to export to China. This five-year renewal, achieved through negotiations by USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative, ensures continued market access for U.S. pork producers.

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Video: Genomic Technologies and Public Trust - Dr. Ellen Goddard

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Ellen Goddard, Professor Emerita at the University of Alberta, discusses public acceptance of genomic technologies in pork production. She explains why disease resistance is viewed positively, how labeling affects trust, why farmers remain highly credible messengers, and how communication can shape consumer confidence around gene editing. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Not providing information is a choice that can affect long-term public trust."

Meet the guest: Dr. Ellen Goddard / ellen-goddard-11541138 is Professor Emerita at the University of Alberta and an agricultural economist. Her work focuses on consumer behavior, trust, livestock sectors, and public attitudes toward food technologies. She also specializes in economic modeling for pork, beef, and dairy systems. Learn more from Dr. Ellen Goddard on the Swine in Canada Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.