Weekly Hog Market Update: Price Gains and Steady Slaughter Rates Define North American Markets

Nov 18, 2024

Ontario Market Highlights: The Ontario market saw a rise in the 100% Base Formula Price, reaching $226.88, compared to $219.71 last week and significantly above last year’s price of $190.28. Weaned pig and feeder pig values are also trending upwards, now accounting for 26% and 41.25% of the Base Formula Price, respectively.

Canadian Market Overview: Quebec’s Pool Price and Manitoba’s Calculated Hog Value experienced slight increases as well, with the Canadian dollar stabilizing around 0.7188 USD. National hog slaughter numbers reached 429,756, marking a slight uptick from previous weeks but remaining below historical highs.

U.S. Market Snapshot: Federally inspected hog slaughter in the U.S. remained steady at 2.6 million, showing a 1% increase year-over-year. The USDA Pork Carcass Cutout slightly decreased to $101.59, with lean hog futures displaying moderate adjustments across contract months.

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Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.