Steady growth for US pig numbers

Market pig inventory, at 56.6 million head, grew by 1% in comparison to last year and was up 2% from last quarter.

 

Breeding inventory, at 6.08 million head, was up 2% from last year and grew only slightly when compared to the previous quarter.

 

From June to August, the total pig crop of 26.7 million head, was up 1% from 2005. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 2.92 million head, up slightly from 2005. The average number of pigs saved per litter was 9.14 for the June-August 2006 period, compared to 9.06 last year.

 

However, the question remains whether the demand will keep up with the ever-growing number of pigs. A marketing economist from Missouri University declared that 'holding demand may be the real challenge'.

 

If prices hold, November might be a new record, being the 34st consecutive month of profit for US pork industry.

 

In Canada, however, the high exchange rate causes producers to sell small pigs - to the US. "The winners are US packers," a Canadian management consultant said. "In Canada, expansion has stopped and is even creeping backwards."

 

• United States Department of Agriculture
• University of Missouri