Quarterly USDA Report Shows Minor Herd Changes

Sep 30, 2025
By Farms.com

U.S. hog inventory slightly declines

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) announced that as of September 1, 2025, there were 74.5 million hogs and pigs on American farms. This marks a 1% decrease from September 2024 but a 1% increase compared to June 1, 2025.

Of the total inventory, 68.5 million were market hogs raised for meat production, while 5.93 million were kept for breeding purposes. Between June and August 2025, farmers weaned 34.1 million pigs, which is 3% fewer than during the same period last year. From June through September, producers averaged 11.82 pigs per litter.

Looking ahead, U.S. hog producers plan to have 2.86 million sows farrow, or give birth, between September and November 2025. Another 2.82 million sows are expected to farrow between December 2025 and February 2026, ensuring steady future production.

Iowa continues to lead the nation in hog numbers with 25.1 million head. Minnesota follows with 8.75 million, and North Carolina ranks third with 7.80 million head.

To gather these figures, NASS surveyed 4,479 hog and pig operators across the country in early September. Data collection was completed through online submissions, mail, telephone interviews, and face-to-face visits, ensuring accurate and reliable reporting.

The full Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report, along with other agricultural updates, is available on the NASS website. This regular report provides valuable insight into the size and health of the U.S. swine industry, helping farmers, businesses, and policy makers make informed decisions about production and marketing.

Photo Credit: usda

Video: What Does 20 MILLION Hogs a Year Look Like?

?? The Multi-Plant System Processing 20 Million Hogs Annually in the Midwest JBS USA operates multiple large-scale pork processing facilities across the Midwest, including major plants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana. Combined, these facilities have the capacity to process approximately 20 million hogs annually.

Each plant operates high-speed automated slaughter systems capable of processing up to 20,000 head per day, followed by fabrication lines that break carcasses into primals, sub-primals, and case-ready retail products.

Hog procurement is coordinated through electronic marketing platforms that connect regional contract finishing operations and independent producers to plant demand schedules. This digital procurement system allows for steady supply flow and scheduling efficiency across multiple facilities.

Processing plants incorporate comprehensive food safety systems, including pathogen intervention technologies, rapid chilling processes, and integrated cold-chain management. USDA inspection is embedded throughout the harvest and fabrication stages to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity. Finished pork products — from bulk primals to retail-ready packaged cuts — are distributed through coordinated logistics networks serving domestic and export markets.