It may not be much, but there should be profitability in livestock production for the coming year, according to Shane Ellis, farm and ranch consultant with Latigo Strategic Management.

“For the most part, 2019 should be a good year,” says Ellis. “Things should be quiet except for trade issues. The question there is what markets will that affect and how long can producers bear it.”

Hogs won’t be a big money maker, but losses of $25 in any one month will likely be made up later, according to Ellis.

“Our producers do a good job producing quality pork, with or without a profit,” he...