Animal proteins were called flat for the start of the week. Limited trade was indicated for Monday.

Although the growing season in Brazil kicked off in a dry manner, triggering worries over crop yield potentials, recent rain and cooler temperatures have helped to alleviate these crop worries. 

For the week ending January 13, 2024, hog slaughter is forecasted at 2.575 million head, down 4.3 percent from 2023 but up 8.2 percent from last week due to the slow start to the New Year, typical for January. Over the next six weeks, hog slaughter is expected to average 2.488 million head per week, down 2.7 percent from 2023 levels.

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