US Swine Finishing Feed Costs Set to Rise Amid Higher Corn Prices
Higher corn prices are expected to drive up feed costs for swine finishing operations in the US, according to a recent report. The nearby contract price for corn futures was around $4.40 per bushel at the start of 2026, but has since risen to an average of $5.18 per bushel for the first week in August. Using the iFarm price distribution tool, prices for the December 2026 futures contract were estimated to be between $4.97 and $5.70 per bushel.
The report notes that higher corn prices will translate into higher feed costs later this year and early next year. The swine finishing enterprise examined in the report assumes the finishing of an early-weaned pig, with rations consisting of corn, soybean meal, dry distillers' grain, and supplements.
The analysis found that average feed costs in 2027 are expected to be around 10% higher than those experienced in 2026. However, the projections are sensitive to corn price assumptions, with a wide range of expected prices. At the lower end of the range, feed costs would be around 5% higher in 2027, while at the higher end, they would be around 15% higher.