USDA September Hogs and Pigs Report Shows Slight Decline in Herd Size
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its September 2025 Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report, providing the latest data on herd size, farrowing’s, and producer intentions. According to USDA Livestock Analyst Michael McConnell, the U.S. hog herd as of September 1st is showing a modest year-over-year decline.
“The hog herd as of September 1st is estimated to be 74.47 million head of hogs. That’s about one percent lower than a year ago.”
The report highlights a two percent decline in the breeding herd, totaling 5.93 million head, while the market hog inventory is down one percent at 68.54 million head. These figures reflect a tightening supply environment that could influence pricing and production strategies heading into 2026.
McConnell also noted a drop in pigs born and weaned during the summer months:
“The number of pigs that were born and weaned between June and August came at 34.08 million head—that was three percent lower than a year ago. That was due to farrowings which were 2.88 million head, three percent lower than a year ago, which is partially offset by pigs per litter rate at 11.82 which is one percent higher than a year ago.”
This increase in pigs per litter is a small but positive trend in productivity that may help producers maintain output despite reduced farrowings.
Looking ahead, producer intentions indicate continued caution, with planned farrowings down or flat for the next two quarters:
“Looking forward between September and November, hog producers intended to farrow 2.86 million sows, which is two percent lower than a year ago, and then for the period between December 2025 and February 2026, producers indicated they were planning on farrowing 2.82 million sows, which is about the same as what we did last year.”
This data suggests that producers are managing risk carefully in response to market conditions, input costs, and global demand uncertainties. The modest contraction in herd size and breeding activity could impact hog prices and pork supply in the coming months.
Stay tuned for further updates as USDA continues to monitor the evolving livestock landscape.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.