Second-Half Hog Prices Adjusted Lower

Aug 19, 2015

USDA lowered its second-half 2015 price forecasts for live equivalent 51-52 percent lean hogs, as July prices came in at lower levels than expected. Thirdquarter prices are expected to be $51-$53 per cwt, almost 38 percent below prices a year ago. Fourth-quarter prices are expected to be $45-$47, 31 percent below the same period a year ago. Pork production in the second half of 2015 is expected to be significantly higher than in the same period last year, as the U.S. pork industry continues its recovery from Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea. Third-quarter commercial pork production is expected to be almost 6 billion pounds, over 10 percent above a year ago. Fourth-quarter production is expected to be 6.5 billion pounds, 6 percent above the same period a year ago.

Exports Lackluster in June
U.S. pork exports in June were almost 413 million pounds, fractionally higher than volumes shipped one year ago. The 10 largest foreign destinations for U.S pork exports in June are listed below. It is notable that shipments to Mexico were nearrecord large at almost 136 million pounds and 21 percent ahead of exports in June 2014. In light of the sharp depreciation of the Mexican peso—which in June had lost more than 19 percent of its value vis-à-vis the U.S dollar, compared with June 2014—the spike in U.S pork shipments to Mexico is likely due to Mexican consumers substituting pork for more expensive meats. U.S Customs data shows that export shipments of beef, broiler meat, turkey, and eggs all declined year over year in June: U.S. beef exports to Mexico in June were 24 percent below a year ago, mostly due to high U.S. prices from lower beef supplies. June shipments of U.S poultry products were all lower year over year due to Avian Influenza-related trade restrictions: broiler meat (-15 percent), turkey (-45 percent), other chicken (-9 percent) and eggs (-51 percent). Lower U.S. beef and poultry product shipments to Mexico reduce domestic (Mexican) availability, likely raising consumer prices. Supplies of U.S. pork products, on the other hand, remain adequate and attractively priced relative to other animal proteins available for export to Mexico.

Source: USDA

Video: CEOs of the Industry – Rob Brenneman, CEO of Brenneman Pork

“From Pork Production to Performance Nutrition: A Candid Conversation with One of the Industry’s Most Unconventional Thinkers”

CEOs of the Industry, we sit down with Rob Brenneman, the visionary behind Brenneman Pork, for an unfiltered, in-depth conversation on leadership, survivability, nutrition, and the future of pig farming.

Rob shares how a deep-rooted commitment to **health—both animal and personal—**drives his philosophy and decision-making. From reshaping pork nutrition and advocating for the return of well-marbled, flavorful pork to confronting the ongoing battle with PRRS and other health threats, Rob’s insights reflect decades of hands-on experience and bold innovation.

Key themes include: Nutrition Reimagined: Why the industry went off course—and how Brenneman Pork is leading change by prioritizing gut health, fat quality, and real performance.

Health & Survivability: Rob’s take on biosecurity, disease management, and the systems and protocols that protect both pigs and profitability.

Well-Marbled Pork as Premium Protein: The science, consumer insights, and culinary feedback behind Rob’s mission to reintroduce pork as a premium, flavorful protein.

Sustainability & Farm Culture: How Brenneman Pork balances environmental responsibility with day-to-day positivity and resilience.

Generational Impact: Strategies to attract, inspire, and retain the next wave of pork producers with pride and purpose.

Plus, a fast-paced finale where Rob shares his top pork pick, leadership lessons, and what he’d change overnight in the industry.

Whether you're a producer, nutritionist, policymaker, or future leader, this episode offers a masterclass in where pork production is headed—and how visionaries like Rob are shaping it.