By Farms.com
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report, revealing a 1% increase in hog populations across US farms compared to March 2023. The current count stands at 74.6 million, though this is a slight dip from December 2023 figures.
Breaking down the numbers, the report specifies 68.6 million are market hogs, with 6.02 million designated for breeding. This period also saw a 2% rise in weaned pigs, totalling 33.1 million, and an average of 11.53 pigs weaned per litter.
Looking ahead, US hog producers are preparing for a busy breeding season with 2.92 million sows expected to farrow between March and May 2024, and slightly more between June and August.