The latest Hogs and Pigs report for September 1 reported all hogs and pigs inventory at 79.099 million head, up 0.7% and a record for the quarter. Although the breeding herd increased marginally (0.1%) to 6.333 million head from 90 days earlier, it is a decline of 1.5% over last year. A decline in the breeding herd was expected as lower prices following the pandemic likely led to diminished producer optimism. A lower breeding herd is also supported by the strong pace of weekly sow slaughter which was 11.7% higher year-to-date through September.

Year-to-date dairy imports are mostly higher in the 6 categories LMIC tracks. Liquid milk and cream are leading year to date figures: up 145% from 2019.  Milk and cream concentrates are up 13% and butter and fats are up 11%.  Cheese imports are down 9% and whey products are down 8%.  Buttermilk is up 4%. 

After a dry summer in the West, hay prices have been experiencing pressure in local areas. Nationally, other hay has experienced a sharper increase than alfalfa in July and August this year, jumping up to $137 per ton, compared to $128 seen in June. Other hay price is now 6% above a year ago.  August alfalfa data showed national prices of $172 per ton, 4% below last year.