The start of 2019 has been tough for hog producers watching the U.S. cash markets.

Tyler Fulton is the Director of Risk Management with Hams Marketing Services.

"A lot of pressure on the cash markets over the last two months," he said. "The start of 2019 has not gone real well for North American hog farmers. We've been under really heavy pressure, just largely because of the huge supply."

Fulton notes forward contract prices have also been influenced by the cash markets although there has been some benefit from the weaker Canadian dollar.

Forward hog contract prices have been volatile, but generally under pressure.