July 1 Canadian Hog Numbers Down 1.3%

Aug 26, 2025

Canadian hog numbers were lower mid-year, even as production and slaughter activity strengthened to meet robust export demand.

Statistics Canada reported last week that Canadian hog producers held 13.8 million animals on their farms as of July 1, 2025, down 1.3% from the same date a year earlier. Breeding stock also edged lower, with sows and gilts declining 0.4% to 1.2 million head, while the number of boars fell 0.6% to 15,400.

Despite smaller inventories, productivity improved. The national pig crop for the first half of 2025 reached 15.1 million head, a 1.4% increase from the previous year. Higher births helped offset herd reductions and positioned producers to maintain supply into the fall.

Slaughter activity accelerated as well. Between January and June, Canadian plants processed 11 million hogs, up 3.3% year over year, reflecting continued strong demand from international buyers. In contrast, exports of live hogs eased slightly, slipping 1% to 3.5 million head.

The USDA's latest Hogs and Pigs report, released June 26, showed a total US hog inventory of 75.1 million, a slight increase from the previous year. Key findings included a record high for pigs saved per litter and higher weaned pig numbers. However, the breeding hog inventory was down, indicating producers are not actively expanding the herd, and market hog growth was modest.

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