Market News & Headlines >> USDA Expected to Report Continued Hog Herd Liquidation

USDA is expected to report that U.S. hog producers continued to liquidate their herds this summer when it releases its quarterly Hogs and Pigs report on Thursday afternoon. 

Trade estimates of the supply of hogs kept for breeding purposes as of Sept. 1 average 97.4% of a year earlier in a range from 96.7%-98.9%, according to a survey of seven analysts by Bloomberg News. 

Pre-report estimates of the total Sept. 1 hog herd average 100.3% of a year earlier in a range from 96.9%-102.6%, while estimates of the Sept. 1 market hog inventory average 100.6% in a range from 96.9%-103.0%. 

Trade expectations for the June-August pig crop average 95.3% of a year earlier in a range from 93.2%-96.8%, with pre-report estimates of June-August farrowings averaging 95.6% of a year earlier in a range from 95.1%-96.9%. Expectations of the number of pigs per litter average 100.2% of a year earlier. 

USDA’s survey of farrowing intentions is expected to indicate that hog production will continue to decline this fall and winter.  Pre-report estimates of September-November farrowing intentions average 95.2% of a year earlier in a range from 94.3%-96.8%, while estimates of December-February farrowing intentions average 97% of a year earlier in a range from 95.0%-99.7%.