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US Hog Inventory Sees Slight Decline

US Hog Inventory Sees Slight Decline
Jun 30, 2026
By Farms.com

USDA report shows steady hog numbers and production trends

The United States hog and pig inventory showed a small decline as of June 1, according to the latest report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The total number of hogs and pigs on farms was estimated at 73.7 million, which is slightly lower compared to the same time last year and also down from earlier in 2026. 

Out of the total livestock population, 67.8 million were market hogs, while 5.88 million were kept for breeding. This distribution highlights that the majority of hog production continues to focus on market supply, ensuring steady availability for the meat industry. 

The report also noted stable production activity. Between March and May 2026, U.S. farms weaned around 33.5 million pigs. This figure shows a slight increase compared to the same period last year, indicating steady productivity in the swine sector. Farmers reported an average of 11.87 pigs weaned per litter, reflecting consistent efficiency in animal management practices. 

Looking ahead, producers expect similar trends in breeding. The report projects that about 2.90 million sows will farrow between June and August 2026, while another 2.89 million sows are expected to farrow from September to November. These projections suggest a stable outlook for hog production in the coming months. 

State-level data shows that Iowa continues to lead in hog inventory with 24.7 million head. Minnesota follows with 9.30 million, and North Carolina ranks third with 7.20 million. These states remain key contributors to the national swine industry. 

To prepare this report, the agency surveyed over 4,000 farm operators across the country in early June. Data was collected through online submissions, mail, phone calls, and in-person interviews, ensuring accurate and reliable results.   

The United States hog and pig inventory showed a small decline as of June 1, according to the latest report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The total number of hogs and pigs on farms was estimated at 73.7 million, which is slightly lower compared to the same time last year and also down from earlier in 2026. 

Out of the total livestock population, 67.8 million were market hogs, while 5.88 million were kept for breeding. This distribution highlights that the majority of hog production continues to focus on market supply, ensuring steady availability for the meat industry. 

The report also noted stable production activity. Between March and May 2026, U.S. farms weaned around 33.5 million pigs. This figure shows a slight increase compared to the same period last year, indicating steady productivity in the swine sector. Farmers reported an average of 11.87 pigs weaned per litter, reflecting consistent efficiency in animal management practices. 

Looking ahead, producers expect similar trends in breeding. The report projects that about 2.90 million sows will farrow between June and August 2026, while another 2.89 million sows are expected to farrow from September to November. These projections suggest a stable outlook for hog production in the coming months. 

State-level data shows that Iowa continues to lead in hog inventory with 24.7 million head. Minnesota follows with 9.30 million, and North Carolina ranks third with 7.20 million. These states remain key contributors to the national swine industry. 

To prepare this report, the agency surveyed over 4,000 farm operators across the country in early June. Data was collected through online submissions, mail, phone calls, and in-person interviews, ensuring accurate and reliable results.   

The United States hog and pig inventory showed a small decline as of June 1, according to the latest report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The total number of hogs and pigs on farms was estimated at 73.7 million, which is slightly lower compared to the same time last year and also down from earlier in 2026. 

Out of the total livestock population, 67.8 million were market hogs, while 5.88 million were kept for breeding. This distribution highlights that the majority of hog production continues to focus on market supply, ensuring steady availability for the meat industry. 

The report also noted stable production activity. Between March and May 2026, U.S. farms weaned around 33.5 million pigs. This figure shows a slight increase compared to the same period last year, indicating steady productivity in the swine sector. Farmers reported an average of 11.87 pigs weaned per litter, reflecting consistent efficiency in animal management practices. 

Looking ahead, producers expect similar trends in breeding. The report projects that about 2.90 million sows will farrow between June and August 2026, while another 2.89 million sows are expected to farrow from September to November. These projections suggest a stable outlook for hog production in the coming months. 

State-level data shows that Iowa continues to lead in hog inventory with 24.7 million head. Minnesota follows with 9.30 million, and North Carolina ranks third with 7.20 million. These states remain key contributors to the national swine industry. 

To prepare this report, the agency surveyed over 4,000 farm operators across the country in early June. Data was collected through online submissions, mail, phone calls, and in-person interviews, ensuring accurate and reliable results.   

The United States hog and pig inventory showed a small decline as of June 1, according to the latest report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The total number of hogs and pigs on farms was estimated at 73.7 million, which is slightly lower compared to the same time last year and also down from earlier in 2026. 

Out of the total livestock population, 67.8 million were market hogs, while 5.88 million were kept for breeding. This distribution highlights that the majority of hog production continues to focus on market supply, ensuring steady availability for the meat industry. 

The report also noted stable production activity. Between March and May 2026, U.S. farms weaned around 33.5 million pigs. This figure shows a slight increase compared to the same period last year, indicating steady productivity in the swine sector. Farmers reported an average of 11.87 pigs weaned per litter, reflecting consistent efficiency in animal management practices. 

Looking ahead, producers expect similar trends in breeding. The report projects that about 2.90 million sows will farrow between June and August 2026, while another 2.89 million sows are expected to farrow from September to November. These projections suggest a stable outlook for hog production in the coming months. 

State-level data shows that Iowa continues to lead in hog inventory with 24.7 million head. Minnesota follows with 9.30 million, and North Carolina ranks third with 7.20 million. These states remain key contributors to the national swine industry. 

To prepare this report, the agency surveyed over 4,000 farm operators across the country in early June. Data was collected through online submissions, mail, phone calls, and in-person interviews, ensuring accurate and reliable results.   

Photo Credit: pexels-att-unchalisangkat


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In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Anna Johnson from Iowa State University and Emma Coursey from the University of Illinois discuss research evaluating welfare resources during the late finishing stage on commercial swine farms. They explain how feeder management, water use, space allocation, and pig health influence welfare outcomes and practical on-farm management. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Small resource issues can become larger welfare problems when multiple stressors interact across finishing barns."

Meet the guests: Dr. Anna Johnson / anna-johnson-05028a14 is the Morrill Professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare at Iowa State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from Texas Tech University and completed her master's degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Edinburgh. Her research focuses on practical solutions that improve farm animal welfare, including sow productive lifetime, animal-human interaction, environmental enrichment, and Precision Livestock Farming.

Emma Coursey / emma-coursey-183810241 is pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine after earning a bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University. Her academic interests include swine health, production, and animal welfare, with research experience evaluating welfare resources in commercial finishing pigs.