Market News & Headlines >> U.S. Hog Herd Seen up Slightly from 2022

The USDA Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report set to be released at 2:00 p.m. CT on Thursday is expected to show the U.S. hog herd on March 1 was slightly larger year over year for the first time since 2020.

Trade estimates of the total March 1 hog herd average 100.4% of a year earlier in a range from 98.6%-101.4% of a year earlier, according to a survey of seven livestock analysts by Bloomberg News. Pre-report estimates of the supply of hogs kept for breeding purposes average 100.6% of a year earlier in a range from 100.0%-101.0%, while estimates of the March 1 market hog inventory average 100.4% in a range from 98.4%0-101.5%.

Expectations for supplies of market hogs weighing more than 180 pounds average 100.5% of a year earlier and average 99.6% of a year earlier for hogs weighing 120-179 pounds, 100.3% for hogs weighing 50-119 pounds and 100.7% for hogs weighing less than 50 pounds.

On average, USDA is expected to peg the December-February pig crop at 101.2% of a year earlier with trade estimates ranging from 100.5%-102.0% of a year earlier. Trade estimates of December-February farrowings average 100.8% of a year earlier, while estimates of pigs per litter average 100.4%.

The USDA report is expected to show indications of very modest herd expansion. Pre-report estimates of March-May farrowings average 100.4% of a year earlier, while estimates of June-August intentions average 100.2%.