3% decline in the German pig herd
Germany is constantly reducing the pig inventory, according to the latest official data. In May, the number of pigs in German farms has dropped 3% from the last year's provisional census, totaling 24.6 million head. This is the lowest level recorded for the last 10 years. Breeding sows and piglets have seen the sharpest decline, 11% and 8%, respectively. "Decline in the breeding herd is not unexpected, given that the industry is being challenged by African Swine Fever (ASF) related restrictions. Welfare regulations are also changing. Ultimately, this should tighten German pig meat supplies later in the year," commented Bethan Wilkins, senior analyst, AHDB.
German pig slaughter has already been lower this year, falling by nearly 6% for the year to 4 July. So far, it is lower live pig imports that have particularly influenced this trend. Despite lower slaughter, the latest market reports continue to say demand is equally quiet. The latest German reference price stands at €153.76/100kg. While this is €30 more than the low point in December, it is also €14 less than year-earlier levels.
"The effect of the breeding herd reduction followed through to a reduction in the number of young pigs and piglets, down by 4% and nearly 8% respectively. When the survey was taken, numbers of slaughter pigs were still similar to last year. Based on this, we would expect a further decline in German production levels in the latter part of the year, as fewer of their own domestic pigs are available to come forward for slaughter," added Mrs. Wilkins.
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