Hogs are traditionally cheapest in the fall. Still, prices were good enough that a theft ring hit hog farms in Iowa and Minnesota then. About 1,000 market ready animals were taken, according to Feedstuffs magazine. The hogs would have brought thieves US$180-190 each, up from $130-140 during the downturn.
Minnesota Public Radio News said two major thefts of 600 market-ready pigs, about five semi-truck loads, were taken from Kandiyohi County, Minnesota in late August. A KIMT TV report said 157 smaller pigs, worth about $80 each, were taken from a farm in Mitchell County, Iowa.