Hog & Pig Farming

Hog and Pig Farming includes establishments primarily engaged in raising hogs and pigs for slaughter, breeding stock, or feeder pig production. The U.S. is one of the world's largest pork producers, with production heavily concentrated in the upper Midwest — Iowa and Minnesota alone account for a dominant share of national hog inventory. North Carolina, Illinois, and Indiana are also major producing states.

The industry has undergone dramatic structural transformation over the past several decades. Small diversified farms that once maintained modest hog herds have largely been replaced by large confined feeding operations and vertically integrated production systems. In the contract grower model — which now predominates — integrators own the pigs and provide feed, veterinary services, and technical support, while growers provide facilities and daily labor. This structure has driven rapid efficiency gains but has also reduced the number of independent producers.

Pork is the most widely consumed meat globally, making export markets a significant demand driver. The U.S. exports a substantial portion of its pork production, with Mexico, Japan, China, South Korea, and Canada as primary destinations. African swine fever outbreaks in other countries have periodically reshaped global trade flows, creating both opportunities and biosecurity concerns for U.S. producers.