Pork belly futures a thing of the past Monday, October 3, 2011 The mid-July notice from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange was simple and terse."Because of a prolonged lack of trading volume and after significant discussion with industry participants, CME will be delisting Frozen Pork Bellies Futures and Options effective Monday July 18, 2011."According to Minyanville Media, which reports on commodity trading, pork belly trading, which celebrated its 50th birthday this year, was the most recognized and glamorous of the commodity trading contracts. Pork bellies, frozen in the winter when demand was low, were thawed in the summer to meet the high demand when bacon and tomato sandwiches were peaking. The seasonal demand produced a need to hedge against higher prices. A single contract consisted of 40,000 pounds of frozen trimmed bellies from which bacon was made.Minyanville said trading in hog bellies declined for a number of reasons. The packing industry has switched to fixed price contracting. A few huge companies producing both pigs and bacon dominate. On top of that, demand is no longer seasonal, with hamburger chains adding bacon to make their sandwiches more palatable. BP 'This program is no ASRA' It's the pork, stupid!
Black Sea Peace Prospects Influence Global Grain Prices Monday, September 7, 2026 Grain and oilseed markets remained closely tied to geopolitical developments, weather conditions and export expectations during the week ending September 4, 2026. Corn futures were largely unchanged, while soybeans posted a new contract closing high and soybean meal also strengthened.... Read this article online
Canada invests $3.1M in swine health surveillance Monday, September 7, 2026 Recognizing that infectious disease is one of the major risks to swine production, the Government of Canada is helping industry further develop the tools needed to safeguard animal health, strengthen sector resilience, and support future growth. Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath... Read this article online
Heads Up Plant Protectants Unveils New Brand Identity Friday, September 4, 2026 Saskatchewan-based Heads-Up Plant Protectants unveiled a refreshed brand identity at the 2026 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, introducing a new logo, updated visual design, revised messaging, and a redesigned website. The rebrand reflects the company’s continued focus on supporting... Read this article online
Canada Expands Livestock Tax Relief for Producers Friday, September 4, 2026 Canadian livestock producers continue to face growing challenges as extreme weather events affect forage supplies and day-to-day farm operations. Drought, flooding, and excess moisture can reduce feed availability, making it difficult for ranchers tomaintainhealthy breeding herds and sustain... Read this article online
Saskatchewan Expands AgriStability Support for Farmers Friday, September 4, 2026 Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit have announced changes to the 2026 AgriStability Program to provide additional support for producers affected by excess moisture and localized flooding across Saskatchewan. The... Read this article online