Optimism slowly returning to hog markets

Hog prices have skyrocketed 35% since July, defying expectations and fueling a surge in optimism among producers.

Experts speaking at the recent Global Hog Industry Virtual Conference pointed to strong export demand and a potential gap in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) hog in­­ventory data as key factors driving the rally.

PICTURED ABOVE: Varricchio

"We have a very excited hog market here," said Domenic Varricchio, analyst with Pluto Commodities. "These hogs...