The U.S. hog and pig inventory has hit record highs for the date for 15 consecutive quarters, with the latest March 1 inventory of 74,296,000 head the highest March inventory ever and the third highest ever after Dec. 1,2018, and Sept. 1, 2018, which was the all-time high at 75,136,000 head. As may be expected, pork production also has set records for months, and hog and pork prices have been under pressure, with profit margins for hog farmers in the red. Bu lean hog futures and cash pork prices have soared in recent weeks, giving hope to the beleaguered industry. And there are indications the pace of the multi-year herd expansion is slowing.
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