University of Missouri agricultural economist Ron Plain has some concerns about the U-S economy.
He says the 1 point 5 per cent growth rate in the third quarter is far less than what's needed for robust meat demand.
Plain's weekly Hog Outlook says the average negotiated price for barrows and gilts sold for slaughter in the U-S last Thursday was 63.10 - down over 6 dollars from the week before.
American hog slaughter last week totalled 2 point 253 million head.
That's down 2 point 6 per cent on the week but 2 point 7 per cent higher than a year ago.
According to Plain, U-S year-to-date hog slaughter is up 8 per cent.
However, because of lighter slaughter weights, he says total year to date pork production is only up 7 point 2 per cent.
