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Hog industry to take huge hit from Influenza A

University of Missouri Extension Economist Ron Plain says the hog industry has already taken an immense hit from Influenza A and that it could get even worse.

Plain believes that business was just starting to look up for producers but tells Brownfield that not only are producers back to looking at a lot of red ink, but it'll probably drive some out of the business entirely.

"We're looking atlosses over the next four months (based on Friday's futures close) of $400 million and this is a time now when they can't afford it," says Plain. He adds that the typical producer has lost money 16 out of the last 18 months.

Plain says that normallythis time of year prices tend to move higher and there's typically less pork on the market but "we're going the other way fast right now."

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