US Pig Inventory Up
Lorrie Boyer
Reporter
“There was 75.1 4 million hogs and inventory as of June 1. That's just slightly more than last year, less than 1% for breeding purposes, there is 5.9 8 million hogs, down slowly from last year's 6.01 but again, just down by less than 1% and the US pig crop March through May.”
As for the US pig crop for the time frame of March through May,
“There was 2.9 1 million farrowings, which is about slightly less than last year. However, that was more than offset by a pitch per litter rate of 11.75 which is 2% higher than last year. So all that resulted in a pig crop in the last quarter of about 34.1 7 million pigs, which 1% higher than a year ago.”
McConnell also notes that there are tighter hog supplies right now. However, growth is expected in the second half of 2025 as hogs born in the past couple of months will come to market. As for the breeding herd, he says it has stayed steady as there are more pigs per litter, due to improved producer management and new technology, and due to tight supplies in the beef markets, and other competing protein markets are currently experiencing higher prices.
