The USDA Hogs and Pigs report showed the December 1 US hogs and pigs at 75.81 million head compared to expectations of 75.61 and 75.46 last December. All hogs and pigs came in just slightly above the guesses 100.5% of last year versus an average trade expectation of 100.2% and a range of 99.4% to 101%. Kept for breeding came in at 100.1% of last year versus 100.1% expected (range 98.5%-101.1%), and market hogs at 100.5% versus 100.2% expected (range 99.4%-101.2%). Market hogs under 50 pounds came in at 101.2% of last year versus an average trade expectation of 100.7%, 50-119 pounds 101.4% versus 100.5%, 120-179 pounds 99.4% versus 99.5%, 180 pounds and over 99.5% versus 99%. The September-November pig crop came in at 102% of last year versus an average trade expectation of 100.8% expected (range 100%-101.9%). Total red meat supplies in freezers were 854.92 million lbs, down 3 percent from last month and 5 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers was 440.542,000 pounds, up 2 percent from the previous month but down 4 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were 391.071 million lbs., down 8 percent from the prior month and down 6 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were 22.504 million lbs., up 39 percent from last month but down 53 percent from last year.

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.