UIUC Weekly Outlook: 2012 the Best Year for Hogs in High-priced Feed Era

Although the financial outlook for pork producers has continued to improve this fall, the general economy remains a "shadow of doubt" for the pork market that cannot be overlooked, Hurt said.

The European debt issues have been delayed but not yet dealt with. Much like Europe, the U.S. government seems unable to agree on a plan for dealing with the current unemployment problem and long-term debt concerns, he said.

"If these worries should lead to slower, or negative, economic growth rates, weak consumer incomes could lead to lower pork prices and a less favorable pork outlook. Clearly, this is another reason for pork producers to be hesitant in expanding production at this time," he said.