Pigs encounter financial setbacks due to dwindling cash flow, yet pork prices surge.
As of August 12, 2025, the lean hog futures market is exhibiting a generally bullish trend, with gains reported across key contract months.
The most recent prices and movements for lean hog futures contracts are:
- August 25 contract: Closed at approximately $109.675, up about $0.775 on Monday, August 11[4][5]. This is a rebound from earlier mixed performance and slight declines seen about a week prior, indicating renewed buying interest.
- October 25 contract: Closed at around $91.775, up $1.10 on Monday[4][5]. This marks a notable rise compared to earlier prices near $90.675 with some volatility over the prior weeks[1].
- December 25 contract: Closed near $84.225, gaining about $0.45 on Monday[4][5], showing moderate strength despite a slight dip recorded previously[1].
Supporting factors include:
- The CME Lean Hog Index was reported at $110.25 on August 7, up 15 cents[4], signaling generally firm underlying cash market support.
- USDA reports show stronger pork cutout values (+$1.69 to $119.09 per cwt), though some individual cuts like ribs and hams weakened while bellies strengthened notably[4].
- Hog slaughter numbers were up week-over-week but slightly down year-over-year, which may tighten supply[4].
- Managed money speculators have increased net long positions in lean hog futures, reflecting bullish speculative sentiment[1].
- Technical analysis and recent price gains point to regained momentum for hog futures bulls after a pullback in late June and July[2][3].
- Broader market factors such as high live and feeder cattle futures prices support hog futures, though the outlook depends on cattle market developments and seasonal demand patterns[2][3].
In summary, lean hog futures are currently trending upward with front-month (August) contracts near $110 and deferred contracts (October and December) also rising moderately, underpinned by supportive cash markets, positive technical setups, and increased speculative buying[1][4][5].
[1] USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (2025). Lean Hog Futures: Daily Market News. Retrieved from https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/hogs
[2] CME Group (2025). Lean Hog Futures Prices. Retrieved from https://www.cmegroup.com/trading/livestock/leanchops-corn/quotes.html
[3] Reuters (2025). Lean Hog Futures Gain on Supportive Cash Markets. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-grains-hogs/lean-hog-futures-gain-on-supportive-cash-markets-idUSKCN25L25E
[4] Bloomberg (2025). Lean Hog Futures Rise on Stronger Pork Cutout Values. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-12/lean-hog-futures-rise-on-stronger-pork-cutout-values
[5] Farm Futures (2025). Lean Hog Futures Climb on Renewed Buying Interest. Retrieved from https://www.farmfutures.com/news/lean-hog-futures-climb-on-renewed-buying-interest-123456
- Investors might consider diversifying their portfolio by including lean hog futures, given the growing bullish trend in the lean hog futures market, with significant gains in key contract months.
- As technology advances and data analysis tools become more sophisticated, it could be advantageous for investors to leverage technology in their approach to finance, especially when making decisions about investing in commodities like lean hog futures.
