While showing improvement in the bottom line, total economic costs were still slightly higher than total returns for hog producers in 2003. Higher market hog prices during the last three quarters of the year were the main reason for the improved profit margins. Feed costs increased in 2003 resulting in higher total costs compared to the year before. Higher market hog prices during the first half of 2004 along with projections for good prices during the second half of the year and lower feed costs should result in a profitable year for hog producers in 2004.
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