Swine herd shrinkage could extend into next year

The U.S. swine herd continued to rebound from A 3-yr low, However it might nonetheless be awhile for a full return to regular measurement, Based mostly on USDA’s quarterly hogs and pigs inventory report launched Sept. 24.

The inventory of all hogs and pigs as of Sept. 1 acquired here in at 75.4 million head. That’s down 4% from final yr, however up 1% from the earlier quarter. It’s additionally up Greater than 2% from the March report, which found the fewest pigs since June 2018.

However, low farrowing quantitys By way of the quarter might level out the smaller herd might persist into 2022, DTN Analyst Rick Kment said.

“Farrowing intentions in September through November, and December through May are anticipated at 96% of yr-in the past ranges,” he said. “It is not till subsequent spring that farrowing intentions are anticipated to inch higher. But, even then, It seems that evidently restricted enlargement is Extra probably to be seen at this level.”

Illinois acquired here in fourth amongst pig-producing states, with 5.5 million head, trailing Iowa, Minnesota and North Carolina. Illinois’ common litter measurement of 10.9 pigs is an enchancment from each the earlier quarter and final yr however under the nationwide common of 11.1.

Cattle on feed inventory drops

The Ag Division said beef inventory as of Sept. 1 dropped 1% from final yr, However the quantity nonetheless represents the second-highest complete for the month since month-to-month cattle on feed reporting started in 1996.

The 11.2 million head was 1% higher than Aug. 1, indicating that seasonal lows in on-feed quantitys have been met, Kment said.

”The rise in on-feed quantitys As in contrast with expectations and The fact that complete quantitys solely Adjust to pandemic-yr ranges Is predicted To maintain a bearish tone to the stay cattle complicated early subsequent week when retailers get An alternative to commerce The information,” he added.

Cattle positioned on feed in August acquired here in at 2.1 million head, 2% higher than final yr and a 21% leap from July.

This story was distrihowevered through a cooperative enterprise between Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Affiliation. For more meals and farming information, go to FarmWeekNow.com.