Pig yield under pressure in April

The DCA Meat Pig Index reached a level of 17 points in week 84,2, which is still below the 5-year average of 100 points. The DCA Piglet Index dropped to 120,6, which is still above the 5-year average. Both indices suffered in April from the sharp increase in feed prices. Prices for raw materials are at high levels, which are increasingly reflected in compound feed prices for pig chunks. The fattening pig farming industry also faced pressure on pig prices. In the wake of the lower fattening pig prices, piglet prices also had to take a step back.

Headwind on several levels
The DCA Meat Pig Index ultimately lost 8,6 points and stood at 17 points in week 84,2. The main decline in returns in April can be explained by the decline in pig prices. The DCA Exchange Price ultimately fell by €0,07 per kilo and reached a level of €1,47 per kilo of slaughtered weight. After the strong recovery in prices in February and March, the advance came to a sudden halt. The decline in pork prices was ultimately stronger than the decline in piglet prices. Piglets were €4 cheaper in the last week of April, trading at €48,50. In addition, fattening pig companies were faced with sharply increased feed prices. The LEI price for pork chunks increased by €0,50 to €27,45.

The rapid increase in piglet and feed prices since the beginning of this year has canceled out the complete recovery in fattening pig prices for fattening pig farmers. Piglet prices were recorded at €28 in the first week of January. In the last week of April, piglet prices stood at €48,50. Pork chunks were almost 8% more expensive in April than in January. The DCA Stock Exchange price was €0,27 higher at the end of April than at the first listing in 2021.

Piglet index drops due to cheaper piglets and expensive feed
Breeding companies suffered from headwinds on the fattening pig market in the last week of April. Because piglet prices were reset by €4, returns took a big hit. The DCA Piglet Index now had to take a step back after its meteoric rise in the spring. The level fell from 137,2 in week 13 to 120,6 in week 17. The return in the sector is therefore still well above the 5-year average.

Feed for sows and piglets also rose sharply in price in April, which put further pressure on returns. Both sow lacto and gestation feeds became €0,55 more expensive in April. Baby piglet pellet increased in price by €0,45.