Biosecurity, Breeding And Margin Pressure

This week's roundup tracks disease readiness, genetics investments, Canadian input costs, and market signals shaping North American pork.

David Gould & Fraser Senebald

Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

In this week's issue...

🛡️ Disease planning moves from ASF to New World screwworm readiness.

📊 Canadian feed costs and U.S. futures keep margins in focus.

🐖 Hog futures surged as cutout topped $101.

Pork being cut during processing. Source: DiscoverWestman.

Canadian Swine Scene

Canada Secures African Swine Fever Zoning Agreement With Japan

DiscoverWestman, July 20th 2026

DiscoverWestman reports Canada has reached an African swine fever zoning agreement with Japan, allowing pork exports to continue from ASF-free regions if the disease were detected elsewhere in Canada. The article says Japan accounted for roughly 31% of Canadian pork export value in 2025, making trade-continuity planning a major producer risk-management issue.

Feed Cost Commentary - July 2026

Alberta Pork, July 15th 2026

Alberta Pork's July feed-cost commentary says ingredient markets remain firm, with pea supplies limited and attention on weather, Prairie crop development, farmer selling, and currency moves. The update notes canola meal remains a cost-effective protein option relative to soybean meal for Western Canadian producers.

Herd Health

SWINETIME Episode #88: Wean-To-Market Filtration And PRRS Biosecurity

Swineweb, July 20th 2026

Swineweb's SwineTime episode with Pipestone veterinarian Adam Schelkopf frames wean-to-market air filtration as a targeted PRRS risk tool, not a cure. The discussion emphasizes producer-specific barn design, disease pressure, execution cost, and the continued importance of basic biosecurity such as showering, clothing changes, controlled access, and disciplined routines.

Balanced Breeding & Sustainability

SHIC/AASV Webinar On New World Screwworm Resources Planned For August 4

Swine Health Information Center, July 17th 2026

SHIC and AASV will host an August 4 webinar on New World screwworm response planning, treatment resources, and outreach for pork producers. The session follows USDA APHIS confirmation of NWS in a Texas calf and includes speakers from USDA APHIS, FDA, EPA, and Texas A&M.

Markets & Industry News

Weekly Pig Report: Cash Strength Fuels Continued Hog Market Momentum

The Pig Site, July 17th 2026

The Pig Site's weekly market report says rising cash hog values and a stronger CME lean hog index are supporting futures and giving producers more confidence in near-term pricing. The report also notes resilient pork demand alongside continuing regulatory friction around Mexican offal restrictions and source-verification requirements.

Hogs & Pork - Market Outlook

USDA ERS, July 2026

USDA ERS says the June Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report lowered late-2025 and March 2026 market hog inventories, reducing second-half 2026 pork production forecasts. ERS projects 2026 pork production just under 28 billion pounds and 2026 exports at 7.2 billion pounds, up 3.8% from 2025 despite weaker Mexico shipments.

Quick Bites

Hog futures surged as cutout topped $101. Read More

Swineweb, July 17th 2026

Germany's ASF decline still leaves Brandenburg risk active. Read More

Swineweb, July 20th 2026

NPIC recap tracked market outlook and industry tone. Read More

Swineweb, July 17th 2026

FCC report says AI could strengthen Canadian pork operations. Read More

Swineweb, July 16th 2026

Enjoying this brief? Share it with a colleague.

Subscribe to Pork Watch →

Have a news story we should cover, a tip, or thoughts on this edition? Send it over.

Want to reach this audience? Sponsor a future edition.

Pork Watch | By Action Intelligence Group (AIG) | 421 Mulvey Ave, Winnipeg, MB, Canada