The latest Hogs and Pigs report from the USDA showed a larger American herd than many in the trade were expecting. Released Tuesday, the report pegged the total number of hogs and pigs on US farms at 75.5 million head, up 1% from a year earlier and slightly higher than September levels. That compares with pre-report expectations that total inventory would decline by roughly 1%. Market hog numbers rose 1% year over year to 69.6 million head, defying forecasts that pegged market hogs down close to 1%. Breeding inventory totaled 5.95 million head, down 1% from last year but slightly higher than the previous quarter. Analysts had anticipated a deeper cut to the breeding herd — closer to a 1.2% decline. The September–November pig crop came in at 35 million head, up slightly from 2024, versus trade estimates calling for a 1.3% year-over-year decline. Productivity gains continued, with pigs per litter averaging 11.93, essentially unchanged from last year and slightly below expectations
Read MoreOf the 75.5 million hogs and pigs, 69.6 million were market hogs, while 5.95 million were kept for breeding.
Read MoreVeterinarians play an important role in recognizing and mitigating microbial foodborne illness hazards in the preharvest setting.
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