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
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