U.S. hog contraction still ahead

Oct 11, 2023

The USDA Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report was released by the National Agricultural Statistics Service on September 28, 2023. Overall, estimates were higher than expected for all categories, except for farrowings. Inventory of all U.S. hogs and pigs on September 1, 2023 was estimated at 74.3 million head, up 0.3% or 194,000 head from September 1, 2022, and up 2% from June 1, 2022.

"The driver behind the higher inventories is productivity," explains Ann Boyda, provincial livestock market analyst with the Alberta government. "Pigs per litter were an average of 11.61 which is up from 11.13 for September 1, 2022. The higher pigs per litter offset the decline in breeding stock.

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Video: Why Swine Field Research Matters - Dr. Stephen Frazer

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Stephen Frazer, swine veterinarian at Demeter Services Vétérinaires, explains how field research connects university science with real commercial swine production. He discusses research design, economic impact, external validity, health challenges, and practical implementation on farms. Dr. Frazer also shares how applied research helps producers stay competitive with modern genetics and production systems. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Field research applies rigorous scientific methods within commercial production systems while focusing on practical economic outcomes that directly affect modern swine operations."

Meet the guest: Dr. Stephen Frazer / stephen-frazer-5769b7141 completed both a Master of Veterinary Science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Université de Montréal. Currently working as a swine veterinarian at Demeter Services Vétérinaires, Dr. Frazer focuses on applied field research, production health, and practical strategies that improve commercial swine operations. Learn more about field research and swine production by listening to Dr. Stephen Frazer on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.