By Blake Jackson
As of September 1, 2024, Pennsylvania's hog and pig inventory stood at 1.48 million head, marking a 3% increase compared to the same date in 2023 and a similar rise from June 1, 2024, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service in its Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report.
The breeding inventory has reached 155,000 head, reflecting a 7% year-on-year increase and a corresponding rise of 7% from the previous quarter.
Market hog numbers are also up, with 1.33 million head reported, which is a 2% increase from the previous year and a 3% rise since the last quarter.
During the June to August 2024 period, the pig crop was recorded at 605,000 head, showing a slight increase from 2023. However, the number of sows farrowing during this time decreased by 4% to 50,000 head.
Notably, the average number of pigs saved per litter during the June to August period increased by 4% from last year, reaching 12.1. These statistics indicate a positive trend in Pennsylvania's hog production, highlighting growth in both breeding and market hog inventories.
Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock, Hogs