PORK INDUSTRY ECONOMIC UPDATE
Analysis of the USDA Hogs and Pigs Report - what do the numbers mean? Read this report and more on John Lawrence’s Web site.
Be sure to check the current market reports to the right. →
IN THE NEWS
Light test weight grains could provide positive economic impact to pork operations. South Dakota State University Extension swine specialist Bob Thaler says farmers should consider using lower priced, lower test weight corn in their swine feeding programs. Decreasing corn cost can help offset lower feed efficiency, but he cautions users to be sure mold and mycotoxin concerns are properly addressed before switching to the lower test weight grains. More information is on the SDSU Web site. 09/25/2008
Interested in learning more about the 2008 Farm Bill? The USDA’s Economic Research Service offers a side-by-side comparison for your use. Take a quick look or spend more time. The entire Farm Bill also can be downloaded from this site. 09/25/2008
Recent research by USDA-ARS (Agricultural Research Service) scientists shows that dusting hog manure with powdered borax aids in reducing negative odors. The process helps neutralize sulfate-reducing and other anaerobic bacteria, which also lowered levels of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and other gases. Swine nursery rooms were treated weekly with 1 percent or 2 percent borax for six weeks, and compared with control rooms that were untreated. After six weeks, the sulfate-reducing bacteria numbers were reduced by 99 percent and hydrogen sulfide levels were reduced 80 percent. Good news because borax is readily available, fairly safe for people to handle and occurs naturally.(See The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. 2001). Yes, this is the same borax used for decades for baby laundry needs. (See Mule Team® Borax brochure) 09/24/2008
Higher feed costs and lower hog prices invite pork producers to take another look at market weight strategies. In a short article, ISU Extension livestock economist John Lawrence describes how changing feed costs and market conditions will affect individual decisions. Producers can download and use either a simple calculator spreadsheet or a more advanced version to aid in their decision-making process. 01/14/2008
