Exports, demand help support pork prices amid profitability concerns - Brownfield Ag News

An ag economist says the pork industry has reasons for optimism, but challenges remain.

Matt Erickson with Terrain there are a few factors helping support prices. “Exports still remain above what we saw in 2025. That’s positive. I look at some of the other things like disease-related issues like PRRS. That’s supportive from the market, but from a death/loss perspective, that impacts profitability.”

He says consumer demand could play a large role heading into the fall. Most pork producers would like the pork cutout higher. IT hasn’t gone higher. We’ve finally reached over $100 cwt. I think that’s positive.”

But, Erickson tells Brownfield, “I need to see more momentum on the belly side and at least the ham side for the cutout value to get higher than let’s say $104 or $105 cwt.”

He says inflation and interest rates will also contribute to the bottom line for producers.