11.   Feedlots had been expanding their herds as cheap grain and attractive cattle prices encourage production.

12.   Hog and pork bellies soared after the government reported that farmers were expanding their herds at a slower-than-expected rate.

13.   Hog prices rose to their highest in more than three moths amid speculation that lower feed costs are leading producers to hold back animals to expand herds.

14.   Hog and pork bellies soared after a separate USDA report indicated that farmers were not expanding their herds as fast as analysts were expecting.

15.   Hog futures slid as traders awaited signs that producers are expanding their herds.

16.   Hog prices rose to their highest in more than three months amid speculation that lower feed costs are leading producers to hold back animals to expand herds.

17.   In CHICAGO, hog futures rose after the government reported a smaller U.S. hog herd in March because high feed prices last year deterred farmers from expanding their herds.

18.   In CHICAGO, hog and pork bellies soared after the government reported that farmers were expanding their herds at a slower-than-expected rate.

19.   In the cycle, prices rise for five years, during which time cattle ranchers expand their herds to increase their profits.

20.   Increased profitability in raising hogs sparked speculation that producers would expand their herds.