Trade more positively on pig market

Last week we headlined that one glimmer of hope was for the pig price. This is based on input from the meat trade, which feels slightly more positive now that the days are shortening and it is becoming more autumnal outside. This week there are again cautiously more optimistic voices, this time from the pig trade. The slaughterhouses still view the market negatively.

Slaughter figures in the minus
In terms of placement options at slaughterhouses, it remains a matter of trying and measuring. The sales opportunities on the German market are even smaller than they already were due to the outbreak of the coronavirus at slaughter locations of Tönnies and Danish Crown, among others. This also affected the slaughter figure (just above 42) in the past week (week 800.000). In the Netherlands, the slaughter figure showed a surprising decline to 291.215, which is not in line with the seasonal pattern. In the meantime, slaughter weights continue to increase to an average of 99,20 kilos, which indicates a tight supply of pigs ready for slaughter.  

Based on the declining slaughter figures and the ample supply, the more positive feeling in the pig trade cannot be directly explained on paper. It is probably partly based on positive signals from the meat market, where some parts prices are again looking upwards. On the other hand, we must guard against too much optimism, because the lack of workers is and remains a dire problem that will probably continue to haunt the sector for some time to come.

DCA Scholarship price unchanged 
Finally, we can conclude that the more positive undertone in the market is becoming stronger. Above ground level, everything remains the same for the time being. The DCA Exchange Price 2.0 for slaughtered pigs is listed at €1,19 per kilo for next week, while the price of live pigs remains at €0,90. It is possible that quotes will start to move as December approaches.

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