News

U.S. hog herd continues to grow

The USDA confirms the continued expansion of the domestic hog industry.

As of September 1st, the total U.S. inventory was 75.486 million head, up 3% on both the quarter and the year, close to what many analysts were expecting ahead of the report.

The breeding and market herds were also 3% larger than last year, at 6.33 million and 69.156 million head, respectively, with a 3% increase in the June through August pig crop to 34.159 million head and a 3% rise in quarterly farrowings as well at 3.185 million, along with a record number of pigs saved per litter at an average of 10.72. By weight, market hogs weighing less than 50 pounds were 22.092 million head and the 50 to 119-pound category made up 20.262 million head, while the 120 to 179 pounders accounted for 14.326 million head and the inventory of hogs weighing 180 pounds and heavier was 12.445 million head.

Expansion will likely continue with September through November and December to February farrowings both expected to be up 2% at 3.163 million and 3.115 million head, respectively.

48% of hogs were under contract on operations of more than 5,000 head, compared to 47% a year ago.

Iowa has the largest inventory at 21.480 million head, followed by North Carolina at 8 million head and Minnesota at 7.930 million.

The next set of quarterly numbers is out December 21st.