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.
