Predictions for cash hog prices today range from steady to 50 cents lower amid cautious views about wholesale pork demand the balance of the week. Grocers have majority of the meat needed for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday promotions and could be reluctant to purchase more until they get an indication of product movement at stores over the holiday weekend. Although some processing plants are snug on hog supplies, packers may hold the line on prices, say livestock dealers. Terminal markets are expected to trade mixed. Early projections for Saturday's slaughter are light, from 10,000-15,000 head. (curt.thacker@dowjones.com)

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 22, 2012 08:22 ET (12:22 GMT)