The USDA Hogs and Pigs report showed the September 1 US hogs and pigs at 100.5% of last year versus an average trade expectation of 100.4% and a range of 99.7% to 101.6%. Kept for breeding came in at 97.8% of last year versus 97.9% expected (range 97.2%-99.8%), and marketed hogs at 100.7% versus 100.7% expected (range 99.9%-101.9%). Right on the guesses in all categories and no surprises. Market hogs under 50 pounds came in at 98.5% of last year versus an average trade expectation of 100%, 50-119 pounds 98.7% versus 100.4%, 120-179 pounds 103.5% versus 101.2%, 180 pounds and over 104.8% versus 101.6%. Lighter hogs were below last year, while heavier weights above, an ongoing trend in 2024. The June-August pig crop came in at 99.2% of last year versus an average trade expectation of 99.2% expected (range 98.4%-99.9%). Pigs per litter for June-August were 101%. Frozen Pork Belly stocks were 25.632 million pounds.

This full-text report, issued four times yearly, presents data on the U.S. pig crop for 16 major states and the U.S., including inventory number by class, weight group, farrowings, and farrowing intentions. Pigs per litter and pig crop by quarter are also covered in the report. Data was gathered from a random sample of approximately 7,500 U.S. producers of varying sizes, though large operations were sampled more heavily.

This report presents a quarterly accounting of hog and pig inventory and of the quarterly pig crop, i.e. pig production. It is the most complete information on pig supply that the USDA produces.

Inventory numbers are reported as of the first day of the month that the report is released. These numbers are not projections; they represent current supply data based on statistical surveys of hog producers. The report includes weight breakdowns, which is helpful in determining the how close hogs are to finishing and ready for slaughter. There is also a breakdown between the number that have been kept for breeding and those that will be sent to market. The “kept for breeding” number provides insight about herd expansion or contraction, while the “market” number provides information on more immediate supply. State-by-state breakdown are included as well.

In addition to the inventory numbers, the report presents quarterly pig crop, sows farrowing, and pigs per litter data. These numbers provide insight into hog production. Data on the previous two years is included, as well as forecasts for the next two quarters.