Kansas, a significant contributor to US agriculture, is witnessing a steady rise in its hog and pig inventory. According to the latest figures from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, the state recorded 1.96 million head on September 1, 2023, marking a 2% increase from the same date in the previous year and a 3% rise from June 1, 2023.
Diving deeper into the numbers, the breeding hog inventory in Kansas is particularly noteworthy. Standing at 170,000 head, it has experienced a 6% increase from September 1, 2022, and a substantial 10% rise from the last quarter. Similarly, the hog inventory market has also seen positive trends, totaling 1.79 million head, up 1% from the previous year and 2% from the last quarter.
In addition to the growth in inventory, the June - August 2023 Kansas pig crop has also flourished. At 952,000 head, it’s 2% higher than in 2022. The sows farrowed during this period remained consistent at 85,000 head, but the average pigs saved per litter showed improvement, rising from 10.95 last year to 11.20.
Future projections indicate a decrease in intended farrowings. Kansas hog producers anticipate farrowing 72,000 sows during the September - November 2023 quarter, an 11% decrease from the actual farrowings during the same period a year ago. Similarly, intended farrowings for December 2023 - February 2024 are projected at 76,000 sows, down 5% from the corresponding period a year ago.
Despite the anticipated decline in farrowings, the consistent growth in both breeding and market hog inventory underscores the potential of Kansas’ hog industry. These trends offer valuable insights for farmers, stakeholders, and those keeping a close eye on agricultural developments in the region.
Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic
Categories: Kansas, Livestock, Hogs