By Farms.com
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report, revealing a 1% increase in hog populations across US farms compared to March 2023. The current count stands at 74.6 million, though this is a slight dip from December 2023 figures.
Breaking down the numbers, the report specifies 68.6 million are market hogs, with 6.02 million designated for breeding. This period also saw a 2% rise in weaned pigs, totalling 33.1 million, and an average of 11.53 pigs weaned per litter.
Looking ahead, US hog producers are preparing for a busy breeding season with 2.92 million sows expected to farrow between March and May 2024, and slightly more between June and August.
Iowa remains the epicentre of US hog production, boasting 25.2 million head, followed by Minnesota and North Carolina. The data, gathered from over 4,500 producers, offers a precise measurement of the industry's state.