The US National Direct Feeder Pig Report (AMS_2810) is derived from information collected by the AMS’s Voluntary Price Reporting authority and is presented as a weighted average. Prices quoted include freight and fees on a farm-to-farm basis, and may include a weight slide.
The latest weekly data reflected higher early wean prices however a decline in feeder pigs. The composite cash price for early weaned pigs averaging 10-12 lbs was $38.16 USD/head. The composite cash price for a 40-lb pig was $48.46 USD/head. It’s worth noting that 2024 cash prices are at their lowest level recorded for this time since 2008. Compared to year-ago levels, current cash prices are down –46% than the same time in 2023.
The 12-week running average of cash receipts reported for early weans and feeder pigs increased significantly in 2023, surpassing the highs reached in the back-half of 2019 and in 2020. The running average for formula headcounts also saw an increase in late-2019 and early-2020, and again in much of 2021. Since that time, reported formula receipts have fallen to low levels historically. In considering the overall running average, total receipts have steadily increased throughout much of 2023 onward, a reflection of significantly increased reporting of direct cash trades.
