For the fifth time in the last nine weeks, the U.S. hog slaughter has set a record.
Last week's 2.55 million head was up 4.1 per cent from the week before and edged out the previous high from two weeks ago.
Ron Plain of the University of Missouri says the recent massive production is pushing down on retail pork prices.
He notes November's per pound average was the lowest since June 2013.
Hog futures over the past week were up again.
February's lean hog futures contract gained $3.15 on the week while April picked up another $2.35.
Agriculture and Agri-food Canada report the recent increases have Ontario pork prices almost on par with what they were a year ago.
While production is up 2.7 per cent for the year, AAFC points out total exports are also up by 5.9 per cent.
