March 22, 2021

China's Ministry of Agriculture: Sow herd grew 34.1% in February

China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said the country's sow herd increased 34.1% in February 2021 compared to the same month last year and 1% higher from January, a more positive outlook to the country's swine industry in contrast to analysts' projections, Reuters reported.

The country's breeding sows are being heavily monitored after analysts, farm managers, and veterinarians have reported rising African swine fever outbreaks over winter.

Yongyi Consulting, based in Shandong, said sow herds have been on the downfall since December 2020. It dropped 4.99% in January and a further 4.68% lower in February.

In a statement, China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said sow stocks were 1.1% up in January and 1% up in February.

The ministry also said China's sow herd reached 95% of end-2017 numbers by the end of last month. China's hog inventory remained above 400 million head.

- Reuters