by Allen Bentley, Sales Representative, Genesus Inc.

Dressed values around $72 base prices are narrowing up the basis, this is unusual for this time year historically. The actual basis is more in line with summer time.

Cash hogs are defiantly pushing hogs futures as February hogs have gained $8.00 since Christmas.

Packer margins have been squeezed and without help from cutout values, we might have a little trouble pushing cash much higher from this level. Although the demand is strong, the downside is limited, as these packers are actively competing for hogs.

I see no reason to be hedging any summer hogs at these levels. Summer futures at $83 is really not rewarding you when cash hogs in February are $60. Every operation has different marketing plan but it looks like staying on the cash market will be the winner.

If anything, it looks like futures should be bought, as they are just too cheap compared to where cash is today. When that actual basis is narrow either cash needs to fall or more than likely futures will push higher.

Again watch the cutout value and basis for market signals. Also key to prices going forward will be exports, so we need to keep a sharp eye on them.