U.S. Breeding Herd Reduces
US - Publication of the December Pigs and Hogs report shows that U.S. hog farmers have reduced the size of the breeding herd to its smallest level since 1963.
31 December 2002
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The latest figures (December 1) show the breeding herd down just over 3.0% at 6.01 million head, in line with analyst expectations.
The reduction comes on the heels of heavy losses, the result of a combination of rising feed costs and tough competition from beef and poultry.
The report also highlights the continuing consolidation and changing face of the industry. The total number of producers has fallen again from 80,880 in 2001 to 75,350 in 2002, a fall of over 6%.
The losers in this equation are the small producers (1 - 2000 head) whose numbers have fallen significantly. The number of producers over 2000 head has risen.
As ever, we have all the facts figures and opinion for you at the click of a mouse.
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Below are a number of links to news items about the Hogs and Pigs report:Ag-Web
Breeding Herd Trimmed Nationwide
Based on the latest USDA quarterly Hogs & Pigs Report, the national swine breeding herd has been trimmed 3% compared to breeding herd size on December 1 one year ago. That confirms the kind of herd liquidation that seemed apparent in fall marketing numbers, reflecting continued sow slaughter.
Bloomberg
U.S. Hog Farmers Trim Breeding Herd to 39-Year Low
U.S. hog farmers reduced the breeding herd to the smallest level since 1963 after a year of losses, pointing to smaller pork supplies and higher supermarket prices in 2003, a government report showed.
High Plains Journal
Hogs & Pigs Numbers Near Predictions
The nation's hog and pig population will continue to shrink, and by just about as much as most analysts have been expecting, according to data released this afternoon by USDA.
Source: Summary by ThePigSite.com - 31st December 2002
