USDA reports 74.3 million hogs in March 2026, showing minor seasonal changes, weaning trends, and state-level inventories while providing insights into the U.S. swine industry.
Read MoreThe USDA’s March 1 Hogs and Pigs report painted a mixed picture of the U.S. hog sector, with the breeding herd coming in tighter than expected while market hog numbers were roughly in line with trade guesses. Released Thursday, the report pegged the U.S. inventory of all hogs and pigs on March 1 at 74.3 million head, up just slightly from a year earlier but down 1% from Dec. 1. Pre-report estimates had the total herd up nearly 1% on the year. The USDA put breeding inventory at 5.89 million head, down 1% from a year earlier and below the average trade guess. Market hog inventory, at 68.4 million head, was up 1% from a year ago, matching the average pre-report estimate almost exactly. The December-through-February pig crop totaled 33.2 million head, up 1% from a year earlier. That was below the average trade guess of a 2% increase. Sows farrowing during the quarter were down 1% from a year earlier, but pigs saved per litter rose to 11.9 from 11.65 last year, showing continued effic
Read MoreTo obtain an accurate measurement of the U.S. swine industry, NASS surveyed 4,252 operators across the nation during the first half of March.
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