Farms.com Home   News

US hogs expected to rebound with higher production, firmer prices

The US hog sector is expected to post steady gains in 2025, with production forecast to rise 3% to 28.5 billion pounds, according to the USDA’s Livestock and Poultry Outlook. 

The rebound follows a profitable 2024, driven by lower feed costs and strong domestic and export demand.

Improved productivity is at the heart of the growth. Although the breeding herd remained virtually unchanged, a 2% increase in litter rates during 2024 supported a larger pig crop. Producer farrowing intentions for early 2025 also point to continued momentum.

Commercial hog slaughter rose 1% in 2024, with average dressed weights also up slightly. That trend is expected to continue in 2025, boosting total pork output.

Lean hog prices are forecast to climb 3% to an average of $65 per cwt, compared to $61.56 in 2024. Tighter beef supplies and sustained global demand are expected to lend price support, despite greater hog availability.

Pork exports rose 4% in 2024 to 7.12 billion pounds, with gains in Mexico and South Korea outweighing declines in China and Japan. For 2025, exports are projected to rise another 3% to 7.30 billion pounds, with the US maintaining its competitive position in global markets.

Imports are also expected to inch up 2% to 1.17 billion pounds, reflecting continued interest in specialty pork products, particularly from the EU and Brazil.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Dr. Anna Forseth: African Swine Fever Updates - Part 1

Video: Dr. Anna Forseth: African Swine Fever Updates - Part 1

Preparing for a Foreign Animal Disease outbreak continues to be one of the most discussed topics in the pork industry. In this special episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, highlighting the critical importance of disease preparedness, Dr. Anna Forseth, Director of Animal Health at the National Pork Producers Council, delivers an essential update on African swine fever (ASF) and its implications for the global and U.S. pork sectors. From the current ASF status to prevention strategies and preparedness efforts, Dr. Forseth explores topics like surveillance, regulatory hurdles, and the role of immunization tools in managing the disease. Listen now on all major platforms!