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U.S. hog inventory up 7%

 

The USDA’s quarterly hogs and pigs report was close to pre-report expectations and indicates continued expansion of the U.S. herd.

As of March 1st, 2015, the total U.S. hog inventory was 65.934 million head, up 7% from March 1st, 2014. The breeding herd was pegged at 5.982 million head, 2% above a year ago, with market hogs at 59.953 million head, 8% more than last year.

By weight, hogs weighing less than 50 pounds were 18.959 million head, a 9% increase, and the 50 to 119 pound inventory was 16.509 million head, up 7%, while 120 to 179 pounders were 13.290 million head, 6% higher, and hogs weighing 180 pounds and heavier were 11.195 million head, 9% more than last year.

The December 2014 to February 2015 pig crop came out at 28.758 million head, 9% larger than a year ago, with the average pigs per litter a record for the period 10.17. Sows farrowed were 2.829 million head, 2% above last year, with March to May intentions at 2.870 million head, also up 2%.