By Blake Jackson
The Missouri Agricultural Statistics Service released its June 1, 2024 hog inventory report, revealing a mixed picture for the state's swine industry.
Overall hog and pig numbers increased slightly compared to both last year and the previous quarter. However, breeding stock inventory showed a decline.
Total hog and pig inventory in Missouri reached 3.35 million head on June 1, 2024. This represents a 3% increase from both March 2024 and June 2023.
The growth was driven by market hogs, whose numbers rose by 4% from the previous quarter and 5% year-over-year, reaching 2.94 million head.
However, the breeding herd, crucial for future production, painted a different picture. Breeding inventory declined by 10,000 head compared to March 2024 and fell 40,000 head short of last year's numbers, sitting at 415,000 head.
The report also sheds light on farrowing activity. The March-May 2024 pig crop totaled 2.46 million head, reflecting a slight 1% decrease from the same period in 2023. This decline aligns with the reduction in sows farrowing, which dipped by 5,000 head compared to last year.
Despite the decrease, there was a silver lining. The average number of pigs saved per litter rose slightly to 11.20 for the March-May period compared to 11.10 in 2023.
Missouri's hog industry exhibits a trend of increasing market hogs alongside a decrease in breeding stock. While the overall inventory is positive, the decline in breeding animals suggests potential concerns about future production levels. Monitoring these trends will be crucial for stakeholders within the Missouri swine industry.
Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Hogs