Slaughter weights remain at a high level

October was not exactly a month that goes down as a good month for the Dutch pig sector. There was a negative atmosphere surrounding sales, including the DCA BestPigletPrice and the DCA Beursprijs. The supply of pigs, on the other hand, is not very negative, the market is not yet overflowing, mainly because fewer pigs are being exported to Germany due to the African swine fever. This is reflected in the slaughter figures for October. In the first 2 weeks, the supply is still happily heading towards a peak compared to last year, before declining to the same level as 2019.

More heavy pigs
In 2020, the month of October runs from week 40 to week 44. In the first two weeks, the number of pigs slaughtered increases considerably compared to the 5-year average and last year's figures. The difference is at least 20.000 animals. In week 40, 327.000 pigs were slaughtered and in week 41 even 336.000. From week 42 onwards, slaughter figures fall back to last year's level.

The weight of the pigs increases from week 42 onwards, with an average weight of 100,4 kilos peaking in the last week of October. This means that the pigs remain on average considerably heavier than last year's pigs and above the 5-year average. The meat percentage is slower, for the first time in a long time the percentage is below 41% from week 59 onwards.

Stable prices
In addition to the large supply, prices continue to be at a relatively low level, especially compared to last year. October is all about stability for the DCA Stock Exchange Prize and the DCA BestPigletPrice. Both prices are €1,34 and €23,50 respectively, with a small note that the piglet price was still €24,50 in the first week. Meanwhile, in November, the pressure on listings has increased considerably.