January 8, 2024

 

Michigan, US swine inventory up year-on-year

Swine inventory in Michigan, United States witnessed a notable increase, reaching 1.29 million head on December 1, 2023, marking a rise of 30,000 head compared to the previous year, as reported by the US Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service Great Lakes Regional Office, Michigan Farm News reported.

 

The breeding swine inventory in Michigan remained stable at 115,000 head, maintaining parity with the previous year. The marketing swine inventory experienced a 3% growth, totalling 1.18 million head. During the period from September to November 2023, an average of 11.40 swine were saved per litter, indicating an increase from the 11.10 recorded during the same timeframe in 2022.

 

On a national scale, the US swine inventory slightly expanded year-over-year, reaching 75 million head as of December 1. However, this figure was down by approximately 352,000 heads from the USDA's September report.

 

The breeding inventory at the national level, totalling 6 million head, reflected a 3% decrease from the previous year and a 3% decline from the previous quarter.

 

The swine crop from September to November 2023 reached 34.6 million head in the US, slightly lower than the corresponding period in 2022. Sows farrowing during this timeframe totalled 2.97 million head, showcasing a 4% decrease from the prior year.

 

The average swine saved per litter nationally for the last quarter were 11.66, compared to 11.22 per litter in the previous year.

 

Looking ahead, US swine producers plan to have 2.90 million sows farrow between December 2023 and February 2024, followed by 2.91 million sows farrowing between March and May 2024, according to the USDA.

 

Despite these figures, challenges loom in the pork market, according to American Farm Bureau Federation economist Bernt Nelson. The breeding inventory's 3% increase from the previous year suggests an excess supply, raising concerns about market demand. Additionally, Nelson noted that the implementation of California's Proposition 12, effective January 1, 2024, will impact US pork producers by reducing demand in a significant market segment.

 

Nelson emphasised the need for increased domestic demand and continued export market demand to address the current market dynamics.

 

-      Michigan Farm News