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Agricultural economists Glynn Tonsor and Lee Schulz modeled the price effects of meat plant closures tied to COVID-19. Their beef model links a 1% cut in processing capacity to a 1.32% drop in fed cattle prices.
Their hog model links a 1% cut in pork packing capacity to a 1.82% drop in hog prices.
Packing capacity losses from COVID-19 closures could push cattle and hog prices lower because the industry has little spare slaughter capacity. Feeder buyers should watch plant utilization closely.
feedstuffs.comKrissa WelshansApr 13, 2020After 70 past bearish disease events, LCATTLE moved a median +0.0% over 5 sessions (51% higher; middle half -1.7% to +1.0%), and +0.4% over 20.
After 117 past bearish disease events, HOGS moved a median -0.6% over 5 sessions (36% higher; middle half -2.2% to +1.6%), and +1.2% over 20.
Moves of each commodity's benchmark from the last close before the event. Historical reads pool past events of the same kind; they describe what happened, not what will. Not investment advice.
Economist modeling published April 13 linked a 1% cut in pork packing capacity to a 1.82% drop in hog prices, so plant closures were framed as strongly bearish for hogs ahead of the April 15 drop.
