The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) recent hogs and pigs report, which surprised analysts by showing more hogs than anticipated, is an indication of the growing efficiency of the pork producers in Iowa and other states, according to Lee Schulz, extension livestock economist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

"The industry continues to realize tremendous progress in efficiency as producers have been able to increase pig crops while decreasing the breeding herd as a percent of the total hogs and pigs...