The latest Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture reveals that as of March 1, the U.S. hog and pig population has reached 74.6 million. This figure represents a 1% increase from March 2023 but a 2% decrease from December 1, 2023.
Key insights from the report include:
- The total 74.6 million hogs and pigs comprised 68.6 million market hogs and 6.02 million breeding stock.
- Between December 2023 and February 2024, U.S. farms weaned 33.1 million pigs, marking a 2% rise from the same period in the previous year.
- During this period, the average pigs weaned per litter were 11.53.
- Hog producers plan for 2.92 million sows to farrow from March to May 2024, with 2.99 million sows expected to farrow from June to August 2024.
- Iowa leads in hog inventory with 25.2 million head, followed by Minnesota with 9.10 million, and North Carolina with 7.40 million.
For this report, NASS surveyed 4,509 hog and pig operators nationwide in early March, using online submissions, mail, telephone, and in-person interviews to gather data.
NASS has scheduled a live #StatChat on Twitter (@usda_nass) at 4 p.m. EDT today to discuss the report and answer related questions. Participants can join the conversation using the hashtag #StatChat, a quarterly feature following the release of the Hogs and Pigs Report.
