Friday June 28 Hogs & Pigs Report + Ag News

 NEBRASKA HOG INVENTORY DOWN 3%

Nebraska inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2024, was 3.65 million head, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. This was down 3% from June 1, 2023, and down 3% from March 1, 2024. Breeding hog inventory, at 390,000 head, was down 2% from June 1, 2023, and down 2% from last quarter. Market hog inventory, at 3.26 million head, was down 3% from last year, and down 3% from last quarter.

The March - May 2024 Nebraska pig crop, at 2.14 million head, was up 4% from 2023. Sows  farrowed during the period totaled 180,000 head, unchanged from last year. The average pigs saved per litter was a record high at 11.90 for the March - May period, compared to 11.40 last year.

Nebraska hog producers intend to farrow 180,000 sows during the June - August 2024 quarter, down 3% from the actual farrowings during the same period a year ago. Intended farrowings for September - November 2024 are 175,000 sows, down 5% from the actual farrowings during the same period a year ago.



IOWA PIG INVENTORY UP 3%

On June 1, 2024, there were 24.6 million hogs and pigs on Iowa farms, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Hogs and Pigs report. Inventory was down 2 percent from the previous quarter but up 3 percent from the previous year.

The March-May 2024 quarterly pig crop was 5.20 million head, up 2 percent from the previous quarter but down 6 percent from last year. A total of 435,000 sows farrowed during this quarter. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.95 for the quarter.

As of June 1, producers planned to farrow 460,000 sows and gilts in the June-August 2024 quarter and 450,000 head during the September-November 2024 quarter.



United States Hogs and Pigs

United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2024, was 74.5 million head. This was up 1 percent from June 1, 2023, and up slightly from March 1, 2024. Breeding inventory, at 6.01 million head, was down 3 percent from last year, and down slightly from the previous quarter. Market hog inventory, at 68.5 million head, was up 2 percent from last year, and up slightly from last quarter.

The March-May 2024 pig crop, at 34.0 million head, was up 2 percent from 2023. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 2.94 million head, up slightly from 2023. The sows farrowed during this quarter represented 49 percent of the breeding herd. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.56 for the March-May period, compared to 11.36 last year.

United States hog producers intend to have 2.96 million sows farrow during the June-August 2024 quarter, down 3 percent from the actual farrowings during the same period one year earlier, and down 4 percent from the same period two years earlier. Intended farrowings for September-November 2024, at 2.94 million sows, are down 1 percent from the same period one year earlier, and down 5 percent from the same period two years earlier.

The total number of hogs under contract owned by operations with over 5,000 head, but raised by contractees, accounted for 52 percent of the total United States hog inventory, up 1 percent from the previous year.



Bathke named Nebraska state climatologist

Deb Bathke has been named the Nebraska state climatologist, a role she has held in an interim capacity since November. Larkin Powell, director of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Natural Resources, said her background and experience make her uniquely positioned to take on the role.

“The state climatologist is integral in guiding climate research and outreach for Nebraska,” Powell said. “Deb is a nationally known climatologist with the ability to bring experts and community members together to advance the conversation on climate issues in the state.”  

The Nebraska State Climate Office is part of the SNR and serves as a primary source of climate information. The office manages the Nebraska Mesonet, a network of collectively operated weather stations.



Bathke grew up in Nebraska and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UNL. She earned a PhD in atmospheric sciences from The Ohio State University. Before joining the National Drought Mitigation Center in 2008, she served as the assistant state climatologist for New Mexico for three years.

Bathke’s first priority as the Nebraska state climatologist is to complete a report assessing impacts of climate change, requested by the Nebraska Legislature through LB1255. The report is due Dec. 1, 2024.  

To write the report, Bathke convened an advisory group, writing team and reviewers. It will encompass 13 topics including ecosystems, agriculture, communities, energy and human health.

Secondary priorities for her tenure are to assess needs for climate education, information and data in the state. This includes assisting with efforts to expand the Nebraska Mesonet and developing a strategic plan for the office.

Bathke plans to strengthen the network of Nebraska climate resources and reach more areas of the state.

“I’m looking forward to growing the climate office into a hub by coordinating with experts to address all the multifaceted angles of climate research and outreach,” she said.

The climate office is also involved with Nebraska’s Climate Assessment and Response Committee, Weather Ready Farms, Water and Integrated Cropping Systems Hub and the U.S. Drought Monitor network.

Other members of the climate office team include Eric Hunt, SNR agricultural meteorology and climate resilience extension educator, and Ruben Behnke, SNR Nebraska Mesonet manager.

Bathke succeeds Martha Durr, who served as state climatologist for nearly eight years.



Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Two Sioux County Dairies

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in two dairy herds in Sioux County, Iowa. To date, the Department has announced 13 detections of HPAI within dairy herds in Iowa.



USDA to Begin Accepting Applications for Expanded Emergency Livestock Assistance Program to Help Dairy Producers Offset Milk Loss Due to H5N1

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications starting on Monday, July 1 through its updated Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) to provide financial assistance to eligible dairy producers who incur milk losses due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as H5N1infection in their dairy herds. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) expanded ELAP through the rule-making process to assist with a portion of financial losses resulting from reduced milk production when cattle are removed from commercial milking in dairy herds having a confirmed positive H5N1 test. Positive test results must be confirmed through the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL).

“USDA remains committed to working with producers, state veterinarians, animal health professionals, and our federal partners as we continue to detect the presence of H5N1 in dairy herds and take additional measures to contain the spread of the disease,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “When something unexpected, like H5N1, threatens the economic viability of the producers we serve, we are committed to finding ways, where we have the authority to do so, to revisit existing program policies and provide the financial support needed to help producers recover and sustain production.”

ELAP provides emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees, and farm-raised fish to assist with losses due to disease, adverse weather, or other conditions, such as wildfires, that are not covered by other FSA disaster assistance programs.

H5N1 infections have been detected in 12 states including Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming. Dairy producers in all states are reminded to stay vigilant and follow established APHIS biosecurity, detection and testing guidelines. In addition to testing, enhanced biosecurity is critical to containing this virus. USDA works closely with state animal health official, producers, and industry organizations to provide guidance and resources for cleaning and disinfection not only on affected farms but for all livestock producers as a part of practicing good biosecurity. APHIS has made available a number of biosecurity documents on its landing page.

ELAP Eligibility
Eligible adult dairy cattle must be:
    Part of a herd that has a confirmed positive H5N1 test from NVSL;
    Initially removed from commercial milk production at some point during the 14-day time period before the sample collection date for the positive H5N1 test date through 120 days after the sample collection date for the positive H5N1 test;
    Milk-producing, currently lactating; and
    Maintained for commercial milk production, in which the producer has a financial risk, on the beginning date of the eligible loss condition.

Applying for ELAP Assistance
To apply, producers need to submit the following to FSA:
    Proof of herd infection through a confirmed positive H5N1 test (based on USDA’s APHIS H5N1 case definition) on individual animal or bulk tank samples confirmed by NVSL;
    A notice of loss indicating the date when the loss is apparent, which is the sample collection date for the positive H5N1 test; and
    An application for payment certifying the number of eligible adult dairy cows, the month the cows were removed from production, and the producer’s share in the milk production.

The final date to file a notice of loss and application for payment for eligible losses is 30 days after the end of the prior calendar year, which is January 30.

Calculating ELAP Payments
The per cow milk loss payment due to H5N1 will be determined based on an expected 21-day period of no milk production when a cow is removed from the milking herd, followed by seven days when the cow has returned to milking but produces 50% of the normal amount of production.

ELAP payments are determined using a per head payment rate calculated based on the monthly all-milk price and national milk production published by the National Agricultural Statistics Service and a standard number of days with reduced or no production — (per head payment rate x number of eligible adult dairy cows x producer’s share in milk production x 90%)

To apply, producers should contact the FSA at their local USDA Service Center.



NPB's Fleming to Lead Domestic Demand

The National Pork Board (NPB) welcomes Patrick Fleming as vice president of demand development. In his new role, Fleming will lead the marketing and domestic demand team on a revolutionary, data-driven approach to make pork more relevant to more Americans. His return to NPB coincides with the culmination of an 18-month effort funded by the Pork Checkoff to develop and deploy new consumer market research and insights across the pork industry.

“The pork industry needs to unapologetically claim the position of taste and flavor for both fresh and further processed product,” said Fleming. “With the help of Checkoff-developed consumer market research, we will leverage our strengths of cultural relevancy, affordability and versatility, providing a framework to our supply chain to win bigger under the umbrella of a new consumer strategy.”

Fleming and his team will focus on developing a consumer-facing campaign designed to win more hearts and minds for pork, in particular Millennial and Gen Z Americans, whose consumption of pork continues to decline.

“To reposition pork in the marketplace and with younger Americans, adoption of an industry-wide approach to reaching consumers with a unified message for pork is needed to inevitably change the perception Millennials and Gen Z have of pork,” said Fleming. “The goal of this work is to encourage Americans to fall in love with pork. I can’t think of a better reason to come to work every day; it’s a big part of why I am thrilled to return to NPB.”

“Our domestic demand efforts will be led by one of the best in the business,” said David Newman, senior vice president of market growth for NPB. “With decades of ‘farm-to-plate’ experience in sales and marketing, Patrick is passionate about this industry and excited to work on behalf of producers. He brings energy and momentum to the team and the work we have ahead of us; there is no one better qualified to lead the charge in making pork relatable to consumers in key markets.”

Through the creation and launch of a sophisticated new market segmentation and business tool, NPB Consumer Connect, the new campaign to be developed can be implemented across the food value chain.

“This consumer strategy is already being tailored by stakeholders and their individual businesses and brands as needed and appropriate for them,” said Fleming. “It allows the entire pork industry to more efficiently and consistently reach specific consumer groups with the right message and content for them at the right time and place.”

Fleming will guide his nine-member team day-to-day on priorities related to consumer demand, multicultural marketing, foodservice and retail support, packer/processor collaboration and human nutrition strategies for NPB with input and direction from the producer-led board of directors.

Visit porkcheckoff.org to learn more about the consumer segmentation work.  



NSM elects FY25 officers

It’s a new era of growth for Northern Soy Marketing (NSM).

During its June board meeting in Bloomington, Minn., the NSM board elected its officers for Fiscal Year 25, which begins July 1. Minnesota farmer Glen Groth was elected as chair, replacing Benson, Minn., farmer Patrick O’Leary.

“I’m excited to represent NSM and continue promoting our soy quality message to our international customers,” said Groth, who farms in Ridgeway. “We grow a premium product that’s grown with care, and as we move into FY25, I’m looking forward to meeting more customers, learning what their needs are and figuring out ways that we can meet those needs."

Groth farms with his wife, Melinda, and grows soybeans and corn, along with raising hay and dairy heifers in southeastern Minnesota. A director with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, Groth has served on NSM since 2021.

David Struck of Wolsley, S.D., was appointed as NSM vice chair and Nancy Kavazanjian, from Beaver Dam, Wis., was slated to return as treasurer.

“NSM represents the northern tier of soybean states,” Struck said, “so I’m eager to serve as vice chair and continue giving soybean growers in our member states their own voice.”

Along with FY25 officer elections, NSM’s June board meeting featured budget reviews, administrative reports and an FY24 recap. With the end of FY24 right around the corner, NSM is looking forward to capitalizing on the momentum its built and continuing to promote the nutritional and financial advantages of northern-grown soy.

“The second year is always a little easier than the first year,” Kavazanjian said. “I’m excited to serve another term as treasurer and to help focus NSM’s regional efforts.”

About Northern Soy Marketing
Northern Soy Marketing, LLC is the farmer-leader board formed by the soybean checkoff boards of South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The board invests grower checkoff funds to conduct research on soybean quality and Critical Amino Acid Value (CAAV) levels in northern-grown soybeans and funds outreach to buyers around the world.



USGC And Advanced Biofuels Canada Host Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roundtable

Last week, the U.S. Grains Council hosted a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) policy roundtable with Advanced Biofuels Canada in Vancouver, Canada. Pictured, U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor (left, middle) speaks with the Council's delegation about future collaboration opportunities to increase U.S. ethanol exports to Canada.

U.S. Grains Council (USGC) staff and representatives traveled to Vancouver, Canada last week to join Advanced Biofuels Canada in hosting a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) policy roundtable, on the sidelines of a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agribusiness trade mission (ATM), with the goal of solidifying and expanding U.S. ethanol exports to the country.

USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor gave remarks about USDA’s support for U.S. ethanol exports to Canada and how SAF will contribute to the countries’ efforts to decarbonize the transportation sector.

Canada is the largest export market for U.S. ethanol, purchasing 603.9 million gallons worth $1.7 billion in marketing year (MY) 2022/23 and has purchased 434.3 million gallons so far in MY 2023/2024. The Canadian government is attempting to reduce the carbon footprint of its transportation sector and estimates that its ethanol consumption could increase by 185 million gallons by 2030. Currently, the country has a national five percent blend mandate, but most of its provinces have mandated even higher blends.

“In addition to Canada’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ground transportation, the Government of British Columbia has mandated airplane fuel suppliers to blend their fuel with one percent SAF by 2028 and three percent SAF by 2030,” said Cary Sifferath, USGC vice president. “The SAF mandate is an opportunity for U.S. producers to capitalize on their existing ethanol market share and help Canada meet its SAF demand, and the Council hopes that the mandate serves as an example for other Canadian provinces and countries worldwide to follow and further reduce their carbon emissions.”

The Council’s delegation was headed by Sifferath, USGC SAF Consultant Mark Ingebretson and Iowa Corn Growers’ Association Past President and USGC Board of Directors member Curt Mether. The group also included Renewable Fuels Association General Counsel and Vice President of Government Affairs Ed Hubbard; Growth Energy Director of Government Affairs Mary Kate Munro; and Green Plains Inc. Director of Risk Control Dawniel Johnson.

The SAF policy roundtable brought government and industry leaders from Canada and the U.S. together to collaborate on how to move Canada’s SAF integration forward and continue decarbonizing the aviation sector.

The next two days were packed with meetings with government officials and industry stakeholders for the Council’s delegation to better understand how the U.S. can support Canada’s potentially significant increase in ethanol demand over the next several years.

The group also had separate meetings with Undersecretary Taylor; officials from the Government of British Columbia; GEVO, a company committed to developing bio-based alternatives to petroleum; the Government of Alberta; S&T Squared Consultants, which conducts environmental modeling and energy policy analysis; and the International Energy Agency.

“Meeting with a wide range of industry stakeholders from USDA staff to Canadian government bodies was a great way for everyone to align on how to help Canada meet its carbon reduction goals through higher U.S. ethanol and SAF exports,” Sifferath said.



National Farmers Union Serves Up the  Farmer's Share of July 4th Cookout Costs

As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day with family gatherings and festive cookouts, National Farmers Union (NFU) released the updated “Farmer's Share of the Food Dollar” for items typically enjoyed during a Fourth of July cookout. These figures reveal how much family farmers earn compared to the amount consumers pay at the grocery store.

NFU President Rob Larew emphasized, “When consumers stock up on their favorite Independence Day cookout essentials this year, they’re likely to notice increased costs for certain products. These increased costs are not reflected in what America’s family farmers and ranchers are paid. Decades of mergers and acquisitions have resulted in agriculture and food supply chains that are not only uncompetitive and fragile but also fail to fairly compensate farmers. Corporate monopolies control the vast majority of the processing, distribution, and marketing of our food, and dominate the market for crop inputs, seeds, and farm machinery.”

“As we celebrate the Fourth of July along with the hard work of our family farmers and ranchers, we must recognize the challenges they face. Family farmers and ranchers deserve a fair share of the consumer food dollar.”

The iconic cheeseburger, a staple of many July 4th celebrations, is a prime example. For each dollar spent at retail on the components of a cheeseburger—beef patty, bun, cheese, onion, lettuce, and tomato—family farmers receive only a small fraction. Similarly, other popular cookout items like potato salad and potato chips also reflect a minimal share for the farmers who produce the raw ingredients.

Included in the 2024 Farmer's Share of July 4th Cookout are:



NFU's Fairness for Farmers campaign is actively addressing the monopoly crisis in food and agriculture. By advocating for stronger antitrust enforcement and greater transparency, the campaign aims to increase the farmer’s share of the food dollar and ensure fairness for both farmers and consumers.

Data for this publication was sourced from USDA NASS and other industry sources.