The trend of rising lump prices has not yet been broken. Chunks have also become more expensive in January, according to Wageningen Economic Research figures. The main cause is rising raw material prices.
Standard chunk A is worth €30,25 per 100 kilos in January, a plus of €0,65 compared to one month earlier. Protein-rich chunk B comes out at €32,15, which is an increase of €0,60 compared to December. The biggest increase in beef chunks is maize core chunks. That product has become no less than €1,10 more expensive and therefore costs €42,25 per 100 kilos. Meat bull chunk and pink clover chunk come out in January at €31,35 and €34,35 per 100 kilos respectively.
Pork chunks have risen even more in price. Sow chunks lakto and starter/transition pellet have increased the most and cost €32,65 per 100 kilos and €36,30 per 100 kilos respectively. That is an increase of €1,10 for both. Baby piglet pellets have become €1,05 more expensive and amount to €43,65 per 100 kilos. Sow chunks gestation and Meat pigs chunks have both become €1 more expensive and cost €32,65 and €31,65 per 100 kilos in January.
Will the increase continue?
De Boerenbusiness Compound feed price indicator predicts that lump prices will rise further in the coming months. Although corn, wheat and soybean prices fell in the middle of the month, the dip was short-lived. Prices are now back at or past December levels. Disappointing soybean yields in Latin America and lower yield estimates pushed prices up.
Little can be said about the expected growing conditions in the northern hemisphere. That will only play a role again from the end of March, because then it will become clear how wheat comes out of the winter. Tensions in international politics also remain a major factor of uncertainty. That could cause surprises in the near future.