WASHINGTON, DC – North American hog supplies remain relatively steady, but a smaller breeding herd could limit expansion. USDA reports the combined U.S. and Canadian inventory at 87.7 million head, up slightly from a year ago but 1% below 2024.
The combined breeding inventory fell 1% to 7.12 million head, while market hog numbers were slightly higher at 80.5 million. The semiannual pig crop increased 1% to 82.4 million head despite fewer sows farrowing.
U.S. hog inventory slipped slightly to 73.7 million head. The breeding herd declined 1% to 5.88 million, while market hog numbers were slightly above last year.
Canada provided most of the growth. Its hog inventory increased by 1% to 14 million head, while the pig crop jumped by 4% and the breeding herd rose by 1%.
For producers, the report points to stable near-term pork supplies but limited breeding expansion, keeping future production growth dependent on continued productivity gains.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Stable market hog supplies support pork production, but a smaller breeding herd could restrain future expansion.