(SPRINGFIELD) The U.S. inventory of hogs and pigs as of March 1st was 74.3 million head, according to USDA’s latest quarterly report released yesterday. While the total was up slightly from the same time last year, it was below both the previous quarter and trade expectations. With the breeding inventory down 1% from last year, the market hog inventory was up 1% from a year ago. While the total pig crop for December through February was up 1%, U.S. pig producers say they plan to farrow slightly more sows this March through May compared to a year ago. The average number of pigs per litter reached a record high at 11.9 for December through February.
