Top-line Results

The USDA released its quarterly estimate of the inventory of all hogs and pigs in the U.S. on June 27, 2024. All estimates are for June 1, 2024, or the March-May quarter unless otherwise noted. Table 1 shows key estimates at the US level. 

Total hog inventory was slightly higher, up 1.27%. Breeding hog inventory decreased 3.19% year-over-year. This was offset by higher litter rates obtained from the sows that were kept. This trend has occurred in the previous four quarters as well. One reason this could be occurring is the least productive sows are the ones being culled...