Slaughter numbers and weights are steadily rising

Due to the slowdown in growth in mid-August, slaughter figures showed a clear decline. The slaughter figure fell sharply, especially in Germany, which resulted in a significant price increase. Meanwhile, the number of slaughters in various European countries is increasing again, with the result that European pig prices are on the decline.

In the Netherlands, 35 pigs were slaughtered last week (week 298.000), the highest number in 9 weeks. Compared to the same week in 2017, the figure is 2% higher. The average slaughter weight shows the second highest increase this year and is 0,4 kilo higher to 95,10 kilo. Last year around this time the pigs weighed considerably more.

(Text continues below the chart)In the Netherlands, the slaughter figure has started an upward trend. 

Germany
The slaughter rate is also on the rise in Germany. However, with 947.803 units, it is still more than 3,5% below the level of the same week in 2017. In addition, this number is also considerably lower than the 5-year average. The average slaughter weight has been continuously increasing in recent weeks and amounts to 97,49 kilos. This is in line with the 2017 level.

Impact of price drop?
Historically, the slaughter figure will increase steadily in the coming weeks. In recent years, the German slaughter figure has exceeded one million pigs for several weeks in September. In the Netherlands, the 300.000 slaughter mark was then exceeded. A growing pig supply is also noticeable this year, traders note.

So far it has not led to any major installation problems. Now the pigs (by the price drops) will probably be brought forward, it is uncertain whether it will remain that way.After a dip in August, the German slaughter figure is showing a clear increase again.