USDA livestock reports can offer valuable insights into the hog industry. Lee Schulz, Ph.D., chief economist of Ever.Ag, says that reports such as the annual livestock slaughter report, set for release on April 22, can give producers a snapshot of the state of the industry and allow them to make plans for their operations.
Another key report for hog producers is the Meat Animal PDI, which Schulz calls the final balance sheet for the year. He says that when breaking down the disappearance data, it’s important to remember that the numbers include death loss.
Schulz adds that the May WASDE report will share with pork producers the forecast for the next marketing year.
Schulz explains what is likely to be demonstrated in future reports with some downward revisions for 2026, particularly in disappearance figures, both on a per capita domestic basis and in exports.
