The latest report from the USDA, based on data collected up to March 1, 2024, indicates a 1% increase in the United States' swine population compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 74.6 million hogs. This represents a slight 2% decrease from the figures reported on December 1, 2023. The information comes from the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), which surveyed 4,509 hog operators through various methods including online submissions, mail, telephone, and face-to-face interviews.