UK pig production costs fall on lower feed expenses
Feed costs make up an estimated 61% of total costs
6 November 2024
1 minute read
By: The latest AHDB quarterly pork cost of production and margin estimations have been published for Q3 2024, according to a recent AHDB news release.
These estimates use performance figures for breeding and finishing herds. They indicate that the full economic cost of production for Q3 2024 is estimated at 190p/kg deadweight, with margins per slaughter pig estimated at £19.40 per head and 21.90p/kg deadweight. The estimated cost of production has reduced by 5p from 2024 Q2 where the estimated cost of production stood at 195p/kg.
Feed costs have fallen in this quarter and now make up an estimated 61% of total costs, which is a fall of around 5p/kg deadweight since Q2 2024. The reduction in feed costs has made up the majority of the fall in cost of production.
Energy and fuel prices have also been easing throughout Q3 of 2024, as have building and finance costs. There has been a slight rise in other variable costs which include breeding and veterinary costs and maintenance costs.
Pig prices have remained consistent with the first half of 2024 at around 212p/kg (APP) in Q3 of 2024.
