WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. hog inventory totaled 74.3 million head on September 1, down 2% from a year earlier but 2% above June. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service says both market hog and breeding inventories declined from September 2025.
The breeding herd stood at 5.87 million head, down 1% from last year and slightly below the previous quarter. Market hog inventory totaled 68.4 million head, down 2% year over year.
The June-through-August pig crop fell 2% to 34.5 million head. Producers farrowed 2.89 million sows, down 3%, while pigs saved per litter increased to 11.96 from 11.82 last year.
Producers intend to farrow 2.85 million sows from September through November, down 2% from a year earlier. December-through-February intentions rise 2% to 2.80 million sows.
Iowa remained the largest hog-producing state with 24.7 million head September 1. The national inventory suggests tighter supplies entering 2027, although improved litter productivity could offset part of the decline.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Fewer hogs and a smaller breeding herd point toward tighter supplies, while record litter productivity is limiting the decline.