Almost every top hog producing state has seen an increase in the number of pigs raised on large farms in the past 20 years, according to an analysis of newly released Census of Agriculture data.

Large farms include operations with at least 1,000 inventoried animals.

The top producing pork states in 2022 — Iowa, North Carolina, Minnesota, Indiana and Illinois — have seen an increase of the number of pigs raised on farms with at least 1,000 animals for the past two decades. The five states now account for about 70% of the nation’s hog population.

The number of hogs on large farms in Iowa increased 76% since 2002. North Carolina was the only major pork state with a decrease in hogs on these farms, with a 16% decline.

As of 2022, farms with at least 1,000 hogs have accounted for nearly all production in these major pork states.

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GRAPHIC: In most major pork states, large hog farms have gotten larger

by John McCracken, Investigate Midwest, Investigate Midwest
February 20, 2024

<h1>GRAPHIC: In most major pork states, large hog farms have gotten larger</h1>
<p class="byline">by John McCracken, Investigate Midwest, Investigate Midwest <br />February 20, 2024</p>

<p>Almost every top hog producing state has seen an increase in the number of pigs raised on large farms in the past 20 years, according to an analysis of newly released Census of Agriculture data.</p>
<p>Large farms include operations with at least 1,000 inventoried animals.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The top producing pork states in 2022 — Iowa, North Carolina, Minnesota, Indiana and Illinois — have seen an increase of the number of pigs raised on farms with at least 1,000 animals for the past two decades. The five states now account for about 70% of the nation’s hog population.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The number of hogs on large farms in Iowa increased 76% since 2002. North Carolina was the only major pork state with a decrease in hogs on these farms, with a 16% decline.</p>
<p>As of 2022, farms with at least 1,000 hogs have accounted for nearly all production in these major pork states.</p>
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