Tom R. Carr University of Illinois

Publish Date: August 23, 2006

Hog prices historically have shown variation from month to month with a tendency for the changes to follow a degree of seasonal regularity from year to year. Because the changes during the year are repetitive or consistent, they are a useful input into production, marketing, or pricing decisions. Seasonal price changes result from changes in the supply of hogs and pork, changes in consumer demand for pork products, or a combination of these factors. Seasonal variations in pork supply are less pronounced now than they were 15 to 20 years ago. With more of the production coming from larger operations, sow farrowings are more evenly distributed throughout the year; however, there is still enough month-tomonth variation in farrowings to bring significant seasonal changes in levels of pork production. Consumer demand for pork and for particular retail cuts and products also varies somewhat from one period of the year to another.

Publish Date: June 3, 2006

Boars generally show an interest in mounting stationary objects. Therefore, an estrous female is not required when collecting semen to be used for artificial insemination (AI). Adjustable height mounting dummies can easily be made or purchased from a supplier of AI equipment. Basic requirements for a good mounting dummy include appropriate height for mounting and straddling of the boar’s forequarters, structural stability, and durability. Good footing around the dummy is essential to aid the boar in mounting and thrusting, and in the semen collection process. Rubber matting material with openings is a popular choice because it provides for good footing, resiliency to constant use, non-absorbency, and ease of cleaning between uses.