USDA’s December report places U.S. hogs and pigs at nearly 79 million head, which is down nearly one percent compared to the last quarter. However, the report exceeded expectations in other ways.
“The main surprise is a record September to November pig crop, up more than two percent from a year ago and just above the upper end of the range of pre-report expectations as the marginal cut in sows farrowed was more than offset by 11.92 Pigs per litter. Up more than two percent from last year’s record for the period continuing the upward trend in pigs per litter,” said Jason Franken.
While productivity trends like these are hard to maintain, Franken says there is still room for growth, with pig producers in Denmark currently averaging 15 pigs per litter.
September 17, 2019 02:49 PM
Turkey raises tariffs on some U.S. Agricultural goods – extending a fight between the two nations that sent Turkey’s currency plummeting.
August 15, 2018 04:48 PM
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Cristen Clark knows a thing or two about exactly what her blog title says: Food and Swine. Learn more about a day in her life.
March 08, 2017 03:27 PM
· FarmHER
Growing up as a sixth-generation Iowa FarmHER, Lexi Marek’s first passion is her pigs. She started showing pigs at livestock shows early on at the young age of five.
March 07, 2017 12:30 PM
· FarmHER
Ten years ago, FarmHER Jen Welch started a homestead on a single acre in Buena Vista, Colorado. The original idea was to grow food for her growing family.
September 15, 2016 02:25 PM
· FarmHER
Pam Lunn of Tampa, Florida, took an unexpected journey to a life in agriculture
September 08, 2016 10:49 AM
· FarmHER