WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The U.S. hogs and pigs herd is holding steady with slight growth, but forward-looking indicators suggest limited expansion as producers manage tighter margins and cautious production plans.
USDA’s March Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report shows total inventory at 74.3 million head, up slightly from a year ago but down 1 percent from the previous quarter. The breeding herd declined to 5.89 million head, down 1 percent year-over-year, while market hog inventory rose 1 percent to 68.4 million head .
Gains in production are helping offset the smaller breeding base. The December through February pig crop totaled 33.2 million head, up 1 percent from last year, with pigs saved per litter increasing to 11.90, compared to 11.65 a year earlier. That improvement continues a trend of higher efficiency across the sector.
However, expansion signals remain limited. Producers intend to farrow 2.86 million sows in the March-May quarter — only slightly higher than last year — while summer farrowing intentions are down compared to both one and two years ago.
Contract production continues to play a major role, accounting for 53 percent of total inventory, reflecting ongoing structural shifts in the industry.
Looking ahead, stable herd size combined with improved productivity suggests steady pork supplies, but without aggressive growth.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Productivity gains are supporting supply despite limited herd expansion.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Meat stocks rose seasonally but remain below last year overall, while tighter butter inventories could support dairy prices, and belly stocks warrant close watch for pork markets.
January 26, 2026 03:00 PM
·
A mid-January winter storm delivered snow, ice, and extreme cold to a broad swath of the U.S., disrupting transportation, stressing livestock systems, and adding cost and complexity to winter farm operations as producers look toward spring.
January 26, 2026 01:10 PM
·
Heavier weights and strong late-year slaughter supported December production, but lower annual totals highlight ongoing supply tightness heading into 2026.
January 26, 2026 11:19 AM
·
Strong production and rising stocks may pressure ethanol margins unless demand or exports continue to improve.
January 26, 2026 10:00 AM
·
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
January 23, 2026 04:40 PM
·
USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
January 23, 2026 03:39 PM
·
