Weaner Pig Breakeven Rises to $22.46, Up $12.25 From Last Week

The breakeven price for weaner pigs rose to $22.46 this week, marking an increase of $12.25 from the previous week. This figure is based on calculations by NutriQuest Business Solutions, which uses industry-average production costs and futures pricing for lean hogs, corn, and soybean meal. The breakeven price is slightly below the average cash price of $23.03 for the week of October 2, 2026.

Key factors contributing to the breakeven price adjustment included a $4.36 decrease in feed costs per head and a $0.43 increase in April 2027 lean hog futures compared to the previous week. The historical basis also improved by $3.33 per hundredweight. The breakeven price accounts for all fixed costs, such as housing and labor, but does not consider the situation of producers with empty space who may have different cost structures.

Cash-traded weaner pig volume was reported at 100,682 head, which is 130% of the 52-week average. Cash prices for these weaners averaged $23.03, down $2.37 from the previous week. Formula-priced weaners were down $2.02 at $42.13. Cash-traded feeder pig volume was below average, with prices at $47.79, down $2.80 per head from the previous week.

Graphs provided by NutriQuest illustrate the seasonal trends of the cash weaner pig market and compare cash prices to breakeven prices. The projected loss per head decreased to $0.57, indicating an improved profit potential of $14.62 this week. Jennifer Brown, Director of NutriQuest Business Solutions, emphasizes that these calculations offer weekly insights but may not reflect individual producer situations.