LMIC explained that, as of the week ending 11 August 2012, year-to-date federally inspected (FI) sow slaughter was reported to be 1.79m head by the USDA. And since early July this year, weekly slaughter levels have averaged over 6% (around 18,000 sows) higher than last year. Figures towards the end of July showed sow slaughter to be above 60,000 head per week. The week ending 4 August saw weekly slaughter at 13% higher than the same period last year, which is the largest of any week since mid-December 2011.
It is also important to note, LMIC said, that US sow slaughter numbers include imports from Canada, where the hog industry is also suffering. An increase in the number of sows sent for slaughter to the US from Canada has also had an affect on US sow slaughter figures.
US quarterly hog slaughter is now forecast to post significant year-on-year declines in Q3 of 2013, according to the LMIC. The slaughter weight of hogs is also likely to reduce due to “record high” feed prices, which will lead US pork production in Q3 of 2013 to be the smallest for that quarter in five years. US pork output could also post year-on-year declines into early 2014.
