Pig: Situation and Outlook

摘要

On the world market pork production has continued to benefit from its role as an alternative animal protein when demand and trade in beef and poultry has been affected due to disease related problems and bans. Although the herd size is fairly static,production is forecast to rise again this year, but to a lesser extent than in the last few years. Another year of high exports will reduce the amount of pork available for domestic consumption, which is forecast to decline by two per cent in 2005. Finished pig prices were particularly strong in the first half of this year but began to ease back in the second half. With lower feed prices the sector remains profitable. Despite good returns producers remain cautious about expanding their herds, but increased litter rates are having a positive effect on production. Producers appear to be investing in improving productivity per sow rather than in increased herd numbers. In the June to August quarter the number of pigs per litter was 9.07, compared with 9.01 recorded in the same period last year.