U.S. Pork Supply: What the Latest Herd Figures Mean for 2027 Sourcing
Planning pork purchases for 2027 starts with understanding the production picture. The latest U.S. inventory figures show a herd below year-earlier levels, despite an increase from June, a combination that deserves attention as buyers assess their future requirements.
According to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the United States had 74.3 million hogs and pigs on September 1, 2026, down 2% from September 2025 and up 2% from June 2026. Of that total, 68.4 million were market hogs, while 5.87 million were breeding animals.
Production indicators to watch
Between June and August, U.S. farms weaned 34.5 million pigs, 2% fewer than during the same period a year earlier. The average was 11.96 pigs per litter.
Looking ahead, producers reported intentions for 2.85 million sows to farrow between September and November, followed by 2.80 million between December 2026 and February 2027. These intentions provide an indication of the production pipeline, although actual results remain to be seen.
Iowa remained the largest hog-producing state by inventory, with 24.7 million head, followed by Minnesota at 9.30 million and North Carolina at 7.60 million.
BMD’s perspective: turn market information into better planning
At BMD International, we see these figures as a reason to review sourcing plans early. A smaller herd does not automatically translate into shortages or higher prices: pork availability also depends on slaughter volumes, carcass weights, domestic demand, and export activity.
For buyers, the practical response is to clarify required cuts, specifications, volumes, and delivery windows with suppliers. The increase since June should be considered alongside the annual decline, rather than treated on its own as evidence of expansion.
As 2027 approaches, our view is straightforward: use production data to guide conversations, confirm availability for specific products, and keep purchasing plans adaptable.
Source: USDA–NASS, Quarterly Hogs and Pigs, September 24, 2026.
