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U.S. hog market could see biggest boost post-trade war

A long-time commodities broker expects the U.S. hog market to benefit the most once the trade war with China is over.

Virginia McGathey founded her firm on the Chicago Board of Trade more than 30 years ago.  She says Chinese pork supplies are dwindling as the country struggles to contain African swine fever.

“We should have some seriously healthy exports as soon as we can get the gates open.”

Speaking to Brownfield from the Women in Ag Conference in Minneapolis Friday, she says the question is will producers be able to hang on until the trade dispute with China ends.

“Once that happens, I think we’ll be off to the races for production. At least for the next year or so, until they can get a handle on the swine fever and figure out what they’re going to do with it.”

McGathey says the post-trade war outlook for grains is a lot more challenging.