February 15, 2012

Chinese pig output rises, Irish beef output declines

As Chinese pig production increased at an average rate of 2.1% annually over the past 20 years, Ireland's cattle slaughtering were 4% lower on-year at almost 1.65 million heads.

During the second half of 2011, finished pig prices in Europe stayed at a high level. Pig meat production in 2011 was about 2% higher compared to 2010, although supplies became tighter towards the end of the year. According to AHDB's European Market Survey, amongst major producing member states, only Spain experienced declining prices during the autumn. Since Christmas, prices across Europe have fallen sharply.

According to Australia's Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), 2012 is expected to represent a record year for beef exports. The growth in exports will be a result of improved Australian production combined with lower supplies from other major global producers.

Compared to November 2010, total German cattle numbers during November 2011 dropped 1% at 12.5 million head. The most significant reduction was in male cattle aged above two years which were down 14%. There was also a 4% fall in numbers of males aged between one and two years old.

Over the last two decades, the Chinese economy has seen a growth of about 8%. Increasing incomes have led to a changing food consumption pattern. Pig production in the country has increased at an average rate of 2.1% per year over the past twenty years. Production costs have also risen simultaneously.

According to the Irish Central Statistics Office, cattle slaughtering in 2011 were 4% lower on year at almost 1.65 million head. On the other hand, cull cow throughputs were slightly ahead of the year's earlier levels at 337,000 head, with production from these animals up 2% to 107,000 tonnes.