Heavier Hogs Keep U.S. Pork Production Growing as Demand Pressures Prices

U.S. pork production continues to run ahead of year-ago levels despite relatively little growth in hog slaughter, as heavier market weights help offset constrained hog supplies.But those additional pounds are reaching the market at a time when domestic and export demand are showing signs of pressure, contributing to weaker wholesale pork and hog prices, according to USDA’s latest Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook.USDA’s Economic Research Service forecasts 2026 U.S. pork productio