USDA Data Show Hog Inventory Dips 1% in September

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released its Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report in recent days, showing a slight year-over-year decline in the nation’s swine inventory. As of September 1, there were 74.5 million hogs and pigs on farms across the United States. That number is down 1 percent from September 2024 but marks a 1 percent increase compared with the June 1, 2025, inventory.

Breaking down the figures, market hogs made up the overwhelming majority of the total at 68.5 million head. Breeding animals accounted for 5.93 million. Between June and August, producers weaned 34.1 million pigs, which represents a 3 percent decline compared with the same three-month period last year. Despite that dip, productivity remained strong, with producers averaging 11.82 pigs per litter from June through September.

Looking ahead, U.S. hog producers expect farrowing activity to remain steady. According to the report, farmers intend to farrow 2.86 million sows between September and November 2025, followed by 2.82 million between December and February 2026. These intentions will be closely watched by analysts and producers alike as indicators of herd expansion or contraction moving into next year.

The report also highlighted state-level trends. Iowa continues to dominate the nation’s hog production, with an inventory of 25.1 million head, by far the largest in the country. Minnesota followed with 8.75 million, while North Carolina ranked third with 7.8 million head. Together, these three states account for more than half of the nation’s swine herd, underscoring their role as anchors of the U.S. pork industry.

To ensure accuracy, NASS surveyed 4,479 hog producers across the country during the first half of September. Data was collected through multiple channels, including online reporting, mail, telephone, and in-person interviews. The comprehensive effort reflects the agency’s mandate to provide timely and reliable statistics for American agriculture.

The full Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report, along with other agricultural data, is available at www.nass.usda.gov.