USDA’s latest quarterly hogs and pigs report shows producers are walking a fine line, skillfully maintaining a good balance between production and demand.
“According to the hogs and pigs report, on December 1st, all hogs and pigs were counted at 75.8 million head, about 1% higher than last year. The breeding herd was about level as it was last year, with about 6,000,000 head. The market hogs were at 69.8 million head, about 1% higher than last year,” said Michael McConnell.
USDA livestock analysts say margins for hog producers improved this year, pinpointing several key factors.
“First of all, relatively lower feed costs have helped producers as the price of corn and soybean meal has been relatively low, and that’s helped returns through much of 2024 and that’s likely going to continue into 2025.”
He says demand for pork products has also strengthened, both in terms of export growth as well as strong prices in the domestic market.
