Inside: Pig Market
Slaughter numbers surpass all records
Once again the slaughter figures in Europe are record. In the Netherlands, even all records from the past are smashed to pieces. This explains why the pig price is under pressure.
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In the Netherlands, 343.000 pigs were slaughtered last week, an increase of 11.000 pigs (+3,3%) compared to the previous week. In the past there have never been so many pigs hanging on the hooks as last week. The previous slaughter record dates from week 51 in 2015 when 341.000 pigs were slaughtered.
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Never before have 343.000 pigs been slaughtered in 1 week.Compared to the long-term average, the number of slaughters last week was 6,5% ahead. That the pig price yielding to supply pressure that week can, in retrospect, be easily explained.
The average weight (95,70 kilos) has fallen below 7 kilos again in the past 96 weeks. Compared to last week, it is a decrease of half a kilo. This indicates that pigs are being brought forward, although the pigs are still more than 1,5 kilos heavier than the long-term average for that week.
German massacres increase
The 1.079.370 pigs slaughtered in Germany is the highest number of 2017 so far. Compared to the previous week, this is an increase of just under 23.000 animals (+2,1%). Compared to last year, the slaughter figure is still 1,2% lower. In Germany the average weight also took a step back, by 25 grams to 97,415 kilos.
Last week, 384.415 pigs were slaughtered in France. This is the highest level since the beginning of 2016. Compared to a year ago, the number of slaughters is 1,4% higher.