UK pig numbers set to fall in 2013

UK clean pig slaughterings are likely to drop by almost 2% next year, according to a forecast by BPEX.

It predicted that high feed prices would result in a drop in the breeding herd this year, which would have a knock-on effect on production in 2013. “Higher sow slaughterings since mid-June support anecdotal evidence that some producers are leaving the industry or temporarily destocking herds,” said the report.

“This decline will more than offset any further improvements in sow productivity, a trend which has led to increased slaughterings in recent years, despite a stable breeding herd.”

Clean pig slaughterings in 2012 should exceed 10 million head for the first time since 2002, before dropping back next year. Although imports would normally rise to meet consumer demand, supplies were also likely to be tight across the EU, so imports could actually decline, it added.

“At the same time, export demand will remain strong, which may mean that, despite lower production, UK exports will be little changed. As a result, less pig meat will be available, meaning lower consumption, particularly if retail prices increase in response to higher pig prices.”

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