US Hog populations rise slightly in early 2024

Apr 01, 2024

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.

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.