The latest snapshot of the nation’s swine industry is in, and the numbers tell a story of stability with just a touch of decline. According to the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report released June 25 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), there were 73.7 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms as of June 1, 2026. That figure is down slightly from June 2025 and down slightly from March 1, 2026.
For producers watching their bottom line, the breakdown offers a clearer picture of where those animals stand. Of the 73.7 million total, 67.8 million were market hogs headed toward the supply chain, while 5.88 million were kept for breeding, the foundation of the herds that will shape future production.
The report also points to a busy farrowing season behind and ahead. Between March and May 2026, 33.5 million pigs were weaned on U.S. farms, up slightly from the same stretch a year earlier. During that same period, producers weaned an average of 11.87 pigs per litter, a reflection of the steady gains in productivity that hog farmers continue to achieve through careful management and attention to herd health.
Looking forward, intentions remain consistent. U.S. hog producers plan to have 2.90 million sows farrow between June and August 2026, and 2.89 million sows farrow between September and November 2026. Those steady numbers suggest farmers are holding their course rather than expanding or pulling back in any dramatic fashion.
As is so often the case, the Corn Belt and a few key states carry much of the weight. Iowa once again led the nation with the largest inventory at 24.7 million head, a testament to the deep roots of pork production in that state. Minnesota followed in second place with 9.30 million head, and North Carolina ranked third with 7.20 million head.
These figures did not come from estimates alone. To capture an accurate measurement of the U.S. swine industry, NASS surveyed 4,254 operators across the country during the first half of June. Producers shared their data online through the NASS Respondent Portal, by mail, by telephone, and through face-to-face interviews, a process that depends on the willingness of farm families to take time out of their day to participate.
For the men and women who raise these animals, reports like this one offer a valuable benchmark as they plan for the months ahead. While the slight dip in numbers may not make headlines on its own, the steady picture it paints reflects an industry that remains resilient and well managed across the heartland.
To learn more, read the full Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report and all other NASS reports online at www.nass.usda.gov.