U.S. Hog Market Sees Strong Price Rebound

Tight Pork Supply and Lower Feed Costs Boost Hog Industry Profits

The U.S. hog market has seen a strong price increase this summer, hitting a three-year high and offering much-needed relief to producers.

By the end of June 2025, the weekly national average barrow and gilt carcass price reached $113.14 per cwt. In comparison, the price at the same time last year was $88.79 per cwt.

This rise in prices reflects a seasonal trend, where summer typically brings reduced hog production. Over the past eight weeks, hog slaughter is down 2% from the previous year, and total pork production has dropped by 0.7%.

June saw weekly pork output average 507.5 million pounds, down from January’s average of 555.3 million pounds.

The drop in supply is also increasing wholesale pork prices. Cuts such as hams, bellies, ribs, loins, and trimmings are all seeing higher prices. These gains, paired with falling feed costs, have helped the industry move back into profit after struggling through financial losses from 2022 to early 2024.

The U.S. sow herd continues to shrink, falling to 5.979 million by June 1, the smallest number since 2016. Despite the decline, productivity is improving, with 11.7 pigs saved per litter—an all-time high.

“It appears that higher prices and profits will work their magic to spur a production increase in 2026,” the report stated.

According to USDA’s June Hogs and Pigs report, more producers intend to increase sow farrowing by late 2025, potentially leading to higher pork output in the first half of 2026.