Through midday for Friday, lean hog futures are firm. Prices are within 12 cents of UNCH for the front months, save a 40 cent drop in October. The CME Lean Hog Index for September 16 was up another $1.42 to $67.84. USDA’s National Average Base Hog price Friday AM fell back $2 to $60.51. USDA’s National Pork Carcass Cutout value was $88.19 in the AM update, up by $1.16. The primal cuts were mostly higher, with picnics down $2.42 and bellies up $6.65. USDA estimates WTD hog slaughter is at 1.940 million head, down 14,000 from the same week last year. Carcass weights are coming in line with year ago.

--- provided by Brugler Marketing & Management