Animal protein prices moved higher today on continued strong demand and favorable pricing relative to soybean meal. Demand from the pet food sector remains very strong and prices have moved higher for the pet grade poultry by-product meal and chicken meal. 

Hog slaughter finished last week at an estimated 2.7 million head, up 8 percent from a year ago levels and down 5 percent from the week prior. The hog harvest is forecast to trend lower over the next six weeks, projected at 2.625 million head this week and  down to 2.55 million head on the week ending February 27th….