June 2016 hogs and pigs report indicate South Dakota sow numbers in top 10 in the U.S.

BROOKINGS, S.D. – According to the June 2016 Hogs & Pigs Report sow numbers in South Dakota are now at 190,000 sows.

“This ranks South Dakota among the top 10 in sow numbers in the U.S,” said Bob Thaler, Professor & SDSU Extension Swine Specialist.

South Dakota also ranks eleventh in market hogs.

“As new sow units and finishing barns get approved and built, these numbers will increase in the future. Not only will these new barns provide needed jobs to rural communities and an avenue for young people to return to the family farm, they will also create an increased demand for locally raised corn and soybeans,” Thaler said.

In Mike Brumm’s commentary on the June 2016 Hogs & Pigs Report, now featured at South Dakota State University’s iGrow Pork, Brumm, points out that sow numbers are decreasing in Iowa, and have been since 2009.

After a 27 year career at the University of Nebraska as an Extension Swine Specialist and Professor of Animal Science, Brumm opened Brumm Swine Consultancy, Inc. in North Mankato, Minn.

Also included in his commentary are SEW pig purchase prices, live weight at slaughter, and other important statistics from the US swine industry.

To read Dr. Brumm’s commentary and to see more state and national data, please visit iGrow.org/Livestock/Pork.