The porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) didn’t hinder pork supplies in 2014 as much as the industry expected, said Chris Hurt, economist at Purdue University.

Hog and pork prices soared to new heights due to expectations of lower supplies due to the disease. From March through mid-October, live hog prices this year averaged $86, compared to $68 for the same period in 2013, Hurt noted last week.

"So far this year pork supplies are only down 2 percent, as 5 percent fewer hogs have been largely offset by 3 percent higher weights," Hurt wrote last week.

Though PEDV has killed baby pigs, the disease is thought to be more manageable now, Hurt noted. Pork supplies are expected to be ...