News

Hog inventory numbers near expectations

USDA’s Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report came out fairly close to pre-report expectations.

All hogs and pigs in the U.S. as of December 1 were 65.9 million head, down 1% from last quarter but up 2% from last year.

The breeding inventory was 5.8 million head, down slightly on the quarter and up slightly on the year, with market hogs at 60.1 million head, 1% less than the previous quarter but up 2% from a year ago.

By weight, hogs weighing less than 50 pounds were 19.27 million head, the 50 to 119 pound herd was 16.9 million head, and the 120 to 179 pounders were 12.47 million head, all up 2% from a year ago, with the 180 pound and over supply down slightly at 11.49 million head.

The September/November pig crop came out at 29 million head, 2% above the December 1, 2010 total, with farrowings slightly larger than last year at 2.89 million head, and pigs per litter a quarterly record at 10.02.

December through February farrowing intentions are pegged at 2.865 million head, 1% above the same period earlier this year, while March through May intentions are projected at 2.890 million head, which would be 1% less than the previous year.

AUDIO: Pork Checkoff’s ag media teleconference–analysis of Hogs and Pigs Report (13:28 MP3)