Contraction in the Canadian swine herd is forecast to continue in 2024, according to a recent US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report.

Higher than anticipated sow productivity in 2023 partially offset larger slaughter and export numbers with the beginning hog inventory down 140,000 head compared to 2023; comparatively, the Canadian herd contracted by 265,000 head from January 2022 to January 2023. 

Beginning sow stocks show a 2% reduction in the sow herd to begin 2024, representing the smallest January 1 sow numbers since 2015. 

The number of farms reporting hogs declined 2% compared to January 1, 2023, indicating that producers continue to exit the industry. 

As a signal of ongoing industry consolidation, the average number of animals on remaining operations increased slightly.