USDA Releases September 2024 Hogs and Pigs Report: Key Takeaways for the Swine Industry

Sep 30, 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has published its latest Hogs and Pigs report for September 2024, providing critical data on inventory levels and key production trends in the swine industry. The following are the main highlights of the report:

Inventory Overview

The total inventory of hogs and pigs in the United States as of September 1, 2024, was 74.8 million head, reflecting a slight decrease of 1% compared to the same period last year.
The breeding inventory was reported at 6.13 million head, also down 1% from the previous year.
Market hog inventory reached 68.7 million head, down 1% from 2023.

Breeding and Farrowing Intentions

The report indicates that the number of sows farrowing during the June-August 2024 period totaled 2.92 million head, which was 2% below the same period a year earlier.
The number of pigs saved per litter was reported at an average of 11.3, relatively unchanged from the previous year.

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In this CEOs of the Industry – International Edition, we sit down with Michael Agerley, Partner at IQinAbox, to explore how data is reshaping the future of pig production.

After more than 20 years as a veterinarian, Michael shares his unique perspective on the shift from hands-on animal care to data-driven decision making across the pork value chain.

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• Why trust, leadership, and practical application matter more than ever

This conversation bridges veterinary insight, technology, and real-world farming, offering a clear look at where the industry is headed—and what it will take to get there.