The latest Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) provides a snapshot of the U.S. swine industry as of June 1, 2025, offering valuable insights for the agriculture sector and investors alike.
The report indicates a slight increase in the total hog and pig inventory, with 75.1 million head, up from June 2024 and March 2025. This modest growth suggests a stable, if not expanding, swine sector. The breakdown of the inventory reveals 69.2 million market hogs and 5.98 million breeding hogs, highlighting the industry’s focus on both production and future breeding stock.
One of the key metrics for the industry is the number of pigs weaned, which stood at 34.2 million between March and May 2025. This figure represents a 1% increase from the same period the previous year, indicating a healthy growth rate in piglet production. Additionally, the average number of pigs per litter increased to 11.75, reflecting improvements in breeding practices and animal husbandry.
Looking ahead, U.S. hog producers intend to farrow 2.97 million sows between June and August 2025, and 2.95 million sows between September and November 2025. These figures suggest a steady production pipeline, which is crucial for maintaining a consistent supply in the market.
Geographically, Iowa continues to dominate the swine industry with the largest inventory at 24.7 million head, followed by Minnesota with 9.30 million head and North Carolina with 7.80 million head. These states are likely to remain key players in the swine industry, influencing regional and national market dynamics.
For the agriculture sector, the report underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and data collection to understand industry trends and make informed decisions. The stability and slight growth in the hog and pig inventory suggest a resilient sector, but it also highlights the need for vigilance in areas such as disease management, feed costs, and market demand.
Investors can glean several insights from the report. The steady increase in piglet production and the stable farrowing intentions indicate a positive outlook for the swine industry. However, investors should also consider factors such as feed prices, market demand, and potential regulatory changes that could impact the sector. The data provided by NASS serves as a valuable tool for investors to assess the health and potential of the U.S. swine industry.
In summary, the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of the U.S. swine industry. For the agriculture sector, it emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and strategic planning. For investors, it provides a basis for evaluating the industry’s potential and making informed investment decisions. The data collected through NASS’s extensive survey efforts are instrumental in shaping the future of the swine industry and its stakeholders.