Global

USDA Forecasts the World Meat Market in 2023 (Feb 28)

Global pork production in 2023 is forecasted to increase by 1% to 111M MT, mainly in China (+2%). The US, Brazil, and Mexico are also forecasted to increase output by 0.7%, 1.6%, and 4.6%, respectively. Rising feed and energy prices, environmental constraints and falling demand mean pork production in the EU and UK is expected to decline. Global exports are expected to decline by 1.6% to 10.5M MT, mainly due to reduced import demand from China, where an increase in domestic supply will replace import demand. EU pork exports in 2023 are forecasted to decline by 3.6% due to reduced opportunities for pork exports to China as well as reduced output. Import demand in the Philippines is also expected to decline (-18.2%) as the import incentives will end at the end of 2022 despite the ASF outbreak.

Biosecurity Is Still the Best Strategy for Global ASF Control (Mar 2)

African Swine Fever continues to impact the global pork market, causing huge losses to pig farmers. According to the latest Rabobank report, PSA continues to spread in Asia, Europe, and some other regions. Although the impact is expected to decrease compared to the levels of previous years, the disease continues to bring losses and impact food security in countries. In addition to reinforcing biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the virus, countries like the USA, Spain, and Vietnam have been investing in research to find a vaccine that will help control the disease. One of the difficulties in the development of biologicals is that the virus that causes the disease is very complex and changeable, which makes it difficult to develop an effective vaccine. Furthermore, a vaccine's safety and efficacy need to be proven in rigorous clinical studies before it can be approved for commercial use.

Genesus Global Market Report (Mar 3)

There are officially 44 counties that are in Europe, and 27 of these are in the EU. Each country is individual with its own market requirements. Across Europe, there is a record-high pig price and a declining pig herd. It's impossible to know the exact numbers, but most indicators show that there were about 6% to 7% fewer total pigs in Europe at the end of 2022 (134.3M) than the average from 2017 to 2020 (about 143M). The pig population in Europe in 2017 was 145.5M, in 2018 143.5M, in 2019 143.1M, in 2020 was 145.9M, in 2021 was 141.6M, and in 2022 134.3 M. Data from Statista suggests pig meat consumption in Europe will fall by 7.2% by 2031 compared to a decline in meat consumption of 2.8%. Pig farmers in the European region are the most heavily legislated in the world for both environmental and animal welfare reasons. 

Latin America

Swine Production and Trade In 2022 (Feb 28)

Although Chile saw decreases in all indicators, at the regional level there was an increase in production and in import volumes, which contrasted with the generalized decrease in exports. In this regard, the significant increase in apparent consumption was due to strong demand for pork throughout the year, which contributed to the growth of local production (despite the sustained increase in imports), thus achieving a higher share of imports in consumption, from 80.2% in 2021 to 80.4% in 2022. The context in the Latin American swine industry in 2022 was comprised of high raw material prices and production costs in general. In addition, the international economic situation, which brought record levels of inflation, among other macroeconomic imbalances, contributed to price volatility and affected profitability indices for pig farmers. 

Spain

Significant Increase in Spanish Pork Exports to Mexico (Feb 27)

Spanish pork exports to Mexico increased in 2022 by more than 56% in volume and almost 76% in value. Spain exported almost 25K MT of pork to that country, with a value that exceeded USD 82.43M (78 euros). These are data provided by the Inter-professional del Porcino de Capa Blanca de España (INTERPORC), which has been present at Expo Carnes y Lácteos, in Monterrey (Mexico), from February 21 to 23, together with the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and six companies: Jorge Group, ElPozo, Faccsa-Prolongo, Batallé, Friselva, and Fribin. 

Pork Production Fell 2.2% In Spain (Mar 3)

According to statistics released by the Ministry of Agriculture of Spain, pork production in the country was 5.065M MT in 2022, which represents a drop of 2.21% compared to the previous year, when 5.18M MT were produced. The region of Catalonia, the country's largest producing region, also experienced a 1.10% drop, with 23K MT less, although it still produced 2.058M MT of pork in 2022. With a reduction of 4.38%, and a decrease of 55K MT in slaughterhouse production, which totaled 878.74K MT. Finally, among the most producing communities, Castilla La Mancha also had a drop of 5.30%, with a production of 392.02K MT, 21K less than in 2021.

Spanish Pork Meat Price Continues to Increase in W9 (Mar 4)

Spanish pork is experiencing a steady price increase in W9. The belly single has risen by USD 0.40/kg from W8 to W9. This is because the cost of live pigs has been rising steadily since the beginning of 2023. In W2, the price per live pig was USD 1.77/kg, meanwhile, it is at USD 2.06/kg in W9, an increase of 16% in a month and a half.

United States

Mid Day Cash Livestock Markets in the US (Feb 27)

Cash hogs were about steady at midday with moderate negotiated purchases. The demand seemed to be on the uptick, especially when looking at recent export sales reports. That’s been helping provide much-needed price support. It could also force packers to get more aggressive in their procurement efforts and bid up to move their needed numbers. However, the packers have been able to move at their own pace and if numbers aren’t needed, prices have been less than stellar. Plentiful supplies of market-ready hogs give packers a little more flexibility. Barrows and gilts at the National Daily Direct were up USD 0.02 with a base range of USD 71 to USD 79 and a weighted average of USD 77.85. Prices at the regional direct markets were not reported due to confidentiality. Butcher hog prices at the Midwest cash markets were steady at USD 66. In Illinois, slaughter sow prices were steady with light demand for light offerings at USD 50 to USD 62. Barrows and gilts were steady with moderate demand for moderate offerings at USD 51 to USD 61. Boars ranged from USD 15 to USD 20 and USD 10 to USD 13. Pork values were sharply higher, up USD 4.29 at USD 89.64. Bellies jumped more than USD 21. Butts and loins were also sharply higher. Ribs were higher while picnics and hams were lower. 

Winter Storm Disrupts Hog Slaughter in the US Feb 27)

A strong winter storm disrupted the W8 hog market. Feb 22 and Feb 23 slaughter were far below usual. Although Feb 25 slaughter was up 33% YoY, it appears that roughly 120K hogs were carried over to W9 for slaughter. This could be a drag on prices for the next few days. Ron Plain Hog slaughter has been running above expectations in recent months. The heavyweight market hog inventory in USDA's December Hogs and Pigs report implied slaughter would be down 1.9% over the last 13 weeks. Actual hog slaughter has been more-or-less even with last year. The higher than-predicted hog slaughter is likely due in small parts to an increase in slaughter hog imports from Canada, an increase in sow slaughter, more-current marketing evidenced by lighter slaughter weights, and adverse weather, but mostly to underreporting of market hogs in the December hog survey. 

Record US Pork Exports to Dominican Republic (Feb 28)

The United States has long been the dominant supplier of US soy-fed pork to the Dominican Republic (DR), competing primarily with domestically raised pork. Exports have increased steadily since the DR implemented the Central America-DR-U.S. Free Trade Agreement in 2007, putting US pork on course to enter the market at zero duty. In 2006, the last year in which US pork was subject to the DR’s 25% most-favored-nation tariff rate, US exports were just over 4K MT, valued at USD 6.6M. By 2010, exports more than quadrupled in volume and reached USD 38M in value, and in 2020, shipments reached nearly 40K MT valued at more than USD 90M. US exports to the DR were record-shattering in 2022, coming in at 85.55K MT (up 46% from 2021), with value reaching USD 233.6M (up 55%), according to USDA data compiled by USMEF. African swine fever (ASF) sparked a significant decline in the DR’s domestic pork industry and the impact does not appear to be short-lived. With nationwide control and eradication efforts ongoing, swine production in the DR fell by 28% YoY in 2022 and an additional 9% decline is projected in 2023, according to data available from USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.

Ground Pork Grows in Popularity (Feb 28)

Ground pork continues to be a shining star in the meat cabinet. Since 2018, sales volume has increased on average by 3.4% per year. Retail associations have helped bring consumers to the meat case. For example, a Midwestern retailer implemented the National Pork Board (NPB) investigation at 258 stores in 6 states by making the following changes, Pork Check Off reports: Offering a greater selection of ground pork, adding an 80/20 and 90/10 fat-to-lean ratio Expanding shelf space and placing ground pork with other ground meats. Offering packaged meal solutions that include pork products, the gourmet pork burger was a top seller. Ground pork is affordable, fresh, and extremely versatile, picking up any flavor you throw at it. 

US Hog Futures End Mixed (Mar 1)

CME April lean hogs ended 0.45 cents higher at USD 1,877.79/MT (85.175 cents per pound), finishing below its daily peak after hitting resistance at its 30-day moving average. June hogs dropped 0.375 cents to USD 2,242.65/MT (101.725 cents).

Pork Prices Weak, Hog Prices Under Pressure (Mar 1)

Pork prices are weak due to larger-than-expected slaughter levels and large supplies of competing meat, according to the latest Rabobank North American Agribusiness Review. YTD pork cutout has averaged -11%, belly prices -38%, loins -9%, and ribs -23% compared to a year-ago levels. Ham values, however, have increased 20% YoY. With YTD slaughter running approximately 3% ahead of USDA expectations, hog prices are also being impacted. Griffin notes the 2.5M average weekly slaughter through mid-February is most likely a catch-up following a lower Q4 2022 slaughter and has resulted in losses topping USD 10/head for producers.

Germany

Germany Reports Another Case of African Swine Fever in Farm Pigs (Feb 28)

Another case of African swine fever (ASF) has been confirmed in farm pigs in eastern Germany, officials said on Feb 28. The state health ministry said it was reported on a small farm with 11 animals in the eastern state of Brandenburg. All 11 animals were culled as a precaution, he said. China and a host of other pork buyers banned German pork imports in September 2020 after the first case was confirmed in wild animals. Farm discoveries will make it harder for Germany to lift export bans, analysts say. The disease is not dangerous for humans, but it is fatal for pigs. Many countries impose bans on pork from regions affected by the disease, distorting the world food trade. The wild boar coming to Germany from Poland is believed to have spread the disease to the country, especially in the eastern states of Brandenburg and Saxony. 

Another Week of Pig Price Stagnation in Germany (Mar 2)

This means that at least until Mar 8, the recommended rate applicable in German slaughterhouses will be a record USD 2.42/kg (EUR 2.28) of a fattening pig with a meat content of 57%. German pigs currently cost USD 2.41/kg (PLN 10.65) compared to USD 2.45/kg (PLN 10.83) in W8. The price difference is due to the falling euro. In domestic purchases at the beginning of the week, rates of USD 2.35/kg (PLN 10.40) of fattening pigs in class E (according to wbc) and USD 1.83/kg (PLN 8.09) of fattening pigs in live weight were recorded. The result of the Mar 2 session should support these prices.

Denmark

The Prices of Piglets on the Danish Market Are Another Week of Stagnation (Mar 2)

Negative PRRS piglets were valued at USD 88.26/head (DKK 620.00), and PRRS positive piglets at USD 86.84/head (DKK 610.00). This means that the latter increased by 10 crowns. The rates apply to weaners weighing 30 kg. Compared to prices in the same period last year (W10), the current prices for weaners are USD 54.09/head (DKK 380) higher depending on health status. The rate for piglets with PRRS negative status is DKK USD 88.26/head (620.00) compared to USD 89.45/head (PLN 395.81) in W8. 

Brazil

Brazilian Pig Farmers Absorbed a Loss of 14.7% In January (Feb 27)

The data released by Embrapa Suínos e Aves in relation to the cost of creation and the sale price of live pigs in the South region showed that in January, there was a strong decrease in the cost of production based on the new standards used in the calculation. Even so, it continued much higher than that received by pig farmers from the sale of live pigs. In January, the average sale price reached USD 1.15 (R$5.94), a monthly decrease of 2% and an increase of 2.2% in relation to January of last year. The cost of creation, in turn, fell to USD 1.35 (R$6.96), down 12.5% over last December and 6.7% over January 2022. However, comparisons in relation to the cost of production lost reference due to no update of the previous data from the new parameters. Even so, in January, pig farmers sell live pigs for an amount almost 14.7% lower than that spent on raising barley, indicating that even with the update of the breeding cost parameters, producers continued to absorb losses.

Brazilian Pork Exports Reached 87.58K MT in January (Feb 27)

The figures for Brazilian pork exports in January were good when considering the historical evolution, but they are losing momentum. However, it is worth noting that the level of production also advanced consistently over the same period, which does not allow for a sharp decline in shipments, henceforth with the danger of increased domestic availability, which is bad for the livestock business environment in the interior of the country and for price formation along the production chain. Some January export data drew attention, such as the reduction in the volume shipped to China and the decline in the price of a ton. According to data compiled by SAFRAS & Mercado, Brazil exported 87.58K MT (fresh + processed) last month, up 19.7% from 73.1K MT in January 2022. However, it is the worst performance in terms of volume since May 2022. 

General Indicators for the Pig Sector in 2022 (Feb 28)

The increase in pork production strengthened domestic supply and responded to increased demand, generating per capita consumption that currently stands at around 20 kg/inhabitant. Pig slaughter reached 56M head (Mcb), a number that represents an increase of 5.7% compared to the 53 Mcb consolidated in 2021. Pork production increased by 5.2% over the previous year, from 4.9 to 5.2M MT. The import volume was 9.76K MT, which means an increase of 73.3% compared to 2021 (5.63K MT). Exports decreased by 1.6% in relation to the previous year, changing from 1.11 to 1.10MT. Apparent consumption reached 4.07MT, which represents an increase of 7.3% compared to 2021 (3.79MT), while per capita consumption was estimated at 19.5 kg/inhabitant. The evolution of the pig farming activity in 2022 was accompanied by a sharp increase in production costs and by the strong volatility of prices for the pig farmer. 

Pork Prices in Brazil Should Not Be Affected by Embargo on Beef Exports to China (Mar 1)

A possible drop in beef prices, as a result of the embargo on exports to China, should not affect pork prices, according to the Meat and Derivatives Industry Union in the State of Paraná (Sindicarne-PR). In a note, the entity states that these markets are “cool”. “After living for a long time with low prices and a drop in consumption, the pork sector is experiencing a moment of stability in the prices of its main inputs and is preparing to meet an increase in Chinese purchases”, he says. There are fears in the sector that the embargo on beef exports could lead to an increase in the supply of protein in the domestic market, which could result in adjustments in the prices of competing products, rising prices Sindicarne-PR points out that pork prices are on the rise in the domestic and foreign markets.

Santa Catarina Grows 9% Pork Production in 2022 (Mar 3)

Santa Catarina exported 50K MT of pork (fresh, chilled, processed, and offal) in January, which represents a 6.9% reduction in relation to the previous month's exports, but an increase of 12.1% compared to those of January 2022. The trading volume was USD 123.21M, which is a decrease of 9.7% compared to the previous month, but an increase of 25.7% compared to January 2022. Most of the main destinations recorded positive changes in purchases of pork from Santa Catarina in January compared to the same period last year, with emphasis on China (21.6% in quantity and 47.8% in revenue) and Chile ( 53.8% and 77.9%). On the other hand, the declines registered in shipments to the Philippines are evident (-20.6% in quantity and -17% in receipts). 

Mission From Paraná Seeks to Expand Trade Relations With Japan and South Korea (Mar 3)

The first international trade mission of the Government of Paraná in 2023 departs on Mar 4 for Japan and South Korea. Led by Governor Carlos Massa Ratinho Junior, it aims to expand exports from Paraná to the two largest markets in East Asia, in particular the sale of pork protein. The delegation also intends to attract investments to the State and will present the Nova Ferroeste project to investors in the transport sector. The mission is organized by Invest Paraná, the Government's business attraction agency, linked to the State Secretariat for Industry, Commerce, and Services, and by federal deputy Luiz Nishimori. In Japan, the agenda will be from March 4 to 12. Next, the entourage will travel to South Korea, where it will stay from March 13 to 16. In addition to Japan and Korea, commercial trips by Invest Paraná to Canada and Italy are already scheduled for the first semester. 

Belgium

The Lowest Number of Pigs Slaughtered in the Last 30 Years (Mar 1)

In Belgium, a little less than 310M heads of animals were slaughtered in 2022, which represents a decrease of 2% compared to 2021, according to data from the Belgian Statistical Institute Statbel. The number of pigs slaughtered in Belgium dropped by almost 10% in 2022 to 10.5M, a level not seen in 30 years. This is 1M fewer pigs than the 11.6M slaughtered in 2021. In terms of weight, pigs continue to represent the largest share of animal slaughter in Belgium, with 1.03K MT, which represents 60% of the total weight of animal slaughter in 2022. In 2022, the average monthly slaughter by species was as follows: 25M chickens, 877K pigs, 63K cattle, 60K turkeys, 8K sheep, 3K ducks, 2K goats, and 110 horses.

Poland

Poland Notifies a New Outbreak of African Swine Fever (Mar 1)

The Polish authorities, through the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), have just reported the detection of a new outbreak of African swine fever in three wild boars. The animals were detected near the border with Kaliningrad, in northern Poland. The detection comes just when the Polish pig sector maintains some optimism in the absence of outbreaks in pig farms since last summer and after the sharp reduction in pig censuses. 

Pork Meat Market in Poland (Mar 2)

On the domestic market on February 6–12, 2023 (data from the ZSRIR Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), suppliers for pigs received USD 1.79/kg (PLN 7.92), which is 7% more than a week and a month earlier and 90% more than a year ago. Following the increase in procurement prices, pork became more expensive. Meat processing plants sold pork half-carcasses at USD 2.51/kg (PLN 11.12), which is 6% more expensive than in the previous week and 2% more than a month ago. At the same time, the price of this assortment was 77% higher than in the comparable week of 2022.

Chile

Chile Reduced Its Meat Production in 2022 in All Categories (Mar 2)

The latest data offered by Odepa in relation to the evolution of meat production in Chile show a decrease in all categories. For pork, the reduction was around 2.2% and remained at 576.40K MT. 

Ireland

An Increase of 0.2% In the Number of Pigs Slaughtered in January 2023 (Feb 27)

The CSO noted that there was an increase of 0.2% in the number of pigs slaughtered in January 2023. 296.4K pigs were processed in the first month of 2023, compared to 295.9K in January 2022

Austria

Austria Recorded a Drop in the Pig Herd in 2022 (Feb 28)

According to the Austrian Institute of Statistics, on December 1, 2022, the number of pigs, compared to one year before, the number of heads decreased in all categories. The number of piglets decreased by 4.8% to 1.32M head, that of fattening pigs by 4.5% to 1.12M head and that of breeding pigs by 7% to 212K head. The Provinces with the highest pig production were Upper Austria, Lower Austria, and Styria, whose herds increased slightly to 94% of the total herd (2021: 93.7%).

United Kingdom

Pig Herd in the United Kingdom Is Falling Sharply (Feb 27)

In the United Kingdom, there has been a significant decrease in the pig herd. The number of fattening pigs decreased by 54K head (-1.1%) to 4.77M head. In one year, the pig herd has shrunk by 2.5% to 5.19M head. The number of sows and gilts in pigs fell by 11.7% and 22.4% respectively, while the number of rearing gilts fell by 21.3%. The sharp fall in numbers shows the impact of the tough conditions, with producers calling it quits or reducing their pig herds in response to persistently poor margins.

DEFRA Figures Confirm Big Drop In UK Pork Production in January (Feb 28)

UK production of pig meat in January was 7% down on January 2022 due to a combination of lower slaughter numbers and lower carcass weights. The latest production figures released from Defra show the UK produced 79.4K MT of pig meat in January, down 500MT from December 2022, and 6.1K MT below volumes seen at the same time last year. The production of pig meat in January 2023 is the lowest monthly figure since January 2021, sitting 4% (-3.4K MT) behind the 5-year average for the month. The decline in production has been driven by reduced slaughtering, amid clear signs of tighter supplies and shortages of pigs. The clean pig kill for January stood at 863.7K head, down 21.9K head from December 2022 and 9.1K head behind numbers seen this time last year.

Access to Pig Health Scheme to End in May (Feb 28)

Access to the Pig Health Scheme (PHS) will cease in May, AHDB announced. The levy body announced in November that it will no longer be funding the scheme, which feeds back pig health data collected at selected abattoirs to producers, beyond 2022. This was part of a review of all of AHDB’s services following the Shape the Future vote and in anticipation of a reduction in pork levy income this year. The final assessments took place on December 13 and access to historical reports via Pig Hub will cease on May 2023. The Food Standard Agency’s Collection and Communication of Inspection Results (CCIR) initiative also feeds back data to producers. 

Big Uplift in EU Pig Prices Adds Further Support to UK Market (Mar 1)

The EU reference price for pigs has gained a massive 18% in the space of just four weeks, providing strong support for UK pig prices. The EU reference price, which covers the major pig-producing countries, stood at 195.44p/kg for the week ending February 19, following these gains. In comparison, despite a steady rise in the SPP in recent weeks, the UK reference price has remained relatively steady over the four-week period, seeing an increase of just over 1% to stand at 206.51p/kg for the week ending 19 Feb. That puts the gap between the UK and EU reference prices at just 11%, which is low by historic standards and down from a gap of nearly 30% in late January.

In 2022, the UK Exported 372.6K MT of Pork (Mar 1)

Out of the total volume of pork exported, pig offal reached the highest level of 17K MT (up 13%). Besides, bacon increased the most by 63.7% (6.6K MT), while processed pork also increased by 18% (2.40K MT). The volume of exports to the EU in 2022 increased by 29.5% compared to 2021. Meanwhile, the export volume to China decreased by 14% (21K MT). UK pork imports in December 2022 reached 63.5K MT, down 10% (6.73K MT) compared to November 2022 and 8% lower than December 2021 (5.75K MT). The monthly import volume in 2022 is generally down. The total volume of imported pork for the whole year of 2022 reached 801.5K MT, up 9% compared to 2021, equivalent to an increase of 69K MT. The main products with growth in 2022 were bacon and sausages.

England Loses 20% Of Female Breeding Herd (Mar 2)

December census figures from Defra have confirmed a big drop in England's female breeding herd, following two years of heavy financial losses, informs the National Pig Association. The female breeding herd numbered 237K at the end of 2022, compared with 295K in December 2021, a 20% decline and 25% below the 317K head recorded in 2020. There was a 16% drop in the number of in-pig sows to just under 170K and a 31% dip in in-pig gilt numbers to below 30K, with the number of gilts not yet in pig down 27% to 58K. ‘Other sows’, either being suckled or dry sows kept for further breeding, were down 26% to 38.08K, The December breeding herd figures follow from June 2022 census data showing an 18% YoY decline. The overall English pig herd was down 9.2%YoY, at 3.7M, including a 7.9% reduction in the number of fattening pigs. 

Russia

Russia’s Pork Production Increased by 5% In 2022 (Mar 2)

The total increase in pork production in 2022 amounted to 5%, more than 200K MT in carcass weight, said Yury Kovalev, General Director of the National Union of Pig Breeders, at the Agro Day agro-industrial conference organized by Kommersant Publishing House. According to him, in 2022 the sectors of household plots and peasant farms showed a drop, where a negative trend has been developing for many years, due to demographic issues and the inability to ensure biosecurity against the backdrop of ASF spreading in Russia. At the same time, the industrial segment of pig breeding grew by 6.9%. Kovalev also said that it was not possible to increase pork exports in 2022. In those countries that are already open for export, Russia occupies a dominant position and it is impossible to increase the volume of export there. Therefore, an additional volume of 200K MT put pressure on domestic prices.

Italy

African Swine Fever, the Number of Italian Municipalities Involved Is Growing (Mar 2)

The findings of wild boars positive for Psa (African swine fever) do not stop. After the latest cases ascertained in Piedmont and Liguria, the most recent in the province of Savona, the probability that the infections can be transmitted to pig farms increases. And what could have seemed like a risk under control, due to the fence built between Liguria and Piedmont to block the way to the virus, and the depopulation interventions, announced but never fully operational, is starting to no longer seem like that. This was reported by Rudy Milani, president of the National Federation of pig products: "We are very worried because the map of infections is moving towards the most suitable pig areas and because we do not share the Government's approach of entrusting the management of the ASF problem to the Regions. At stake is the survival of a quality Italian agri-food sector worth USD 10.59B (10b euros) in production alone. If the PSA were to advance further it would be a catastrophe, not only for the primary sector but also for the PDO productions of the fine Italian delicatessen".

China

China: Hebi City, Henan Province Successfully Completed the On-Site Collection and Cooperation of African Swine Fever Risk Monitoring Samples in Henan Province (Feb 27)

In order to timely assess the risk of African swine fever in pig slaughterhouses and other risk sites in Henan Province, from February 20 to 21, Hebi City actively cooperated with the expert group of the Provincial Epidemic Control Center to complete the on-site collection of African swine fever risk monitoring samples. For this on-site sample collection, 91 samples were randomly selected from 4 farms (factories) including pig slaughterhouses, decontamination centers, harmless treatment plants, and farmers' markets from Jun County and Qi County, Hebi City.

China: Yanhe County Launched a Crackdown on Illegal Acts of Illegal Slaughter of Live Pigs to Ensure the Quality and Safety of Meat Products (Feb 28)

In order to further clarify the sales channels of meat products, effectively strengthen the supervision of livestock slaughtering, and severely crack down on illegal and criminal acts such as private slaughtering and indiscriminate slaughtering, the three departments of provincial agriculture and rural areas, provincial public security, and provincial market supervision jointly issued the "Cracking Down on Private Slaughtering and Safeguarding Meat Products". According to the relevant requirements of the "Notice on the 100-day Safety Action Plan", on February 26, 2023, the Yanhe County Animal Health Supervision Office, the Agricultural Comprehensive Administrative Law Enforcement Brigade, and the Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center formed a joint inspection team to crack down on the illegal slaughter of live pigs. 

China: Wusheng County, Sichuan Takes Multiple Measures to Prevent and Control African Swine Fever (Mar 1)

In order to implement the spirit of the 2023 Provincial Spring Prevention Work Video Deployment Meeting and the Guang'an City Spring Major Animal Disease Prevention and Control Work Conference, Wusheng County has adopted a number of measures to prevent and control African swine fever in spring. The first is to carry out spring disinfection operations, purchasing 22MT of disinfectants and 25MT of drift powder through government procurement channels, distributing to towns, and carrying out large-scale disinfection operations in key breeding areas, slaughterhouses, and farmers' markets to ensure that the disinfection area reached 100%. The second is to strengthen the supervision of transportation and issued a "Notice on Adjusting and Improving the Regulations on Live Pig Transportation" which has improved and clarified the relevant approval procedures for "point-to-point" inter-provincial and intra-provincial pig transportation. Severely crack down on violations of laws and regulations, and strictly prevent the spread of African swine fever to the county.

The National Average Price of Live Pigs (Mar 2)

According to the monitoring of bazaars and collection points in 500 counties across the country, in the fourth week of February (the collection date is February 22), the prices of live pig products and commercial chickens rose, and the prices of eggs, chicken, beef and mutton, fresh milk, soybean meal, fattening pig compound feed, laying hen compound feed prices fell, corn, broiler compound feed prices remained flat. The national average price of piglets is USD 5.08/kg (35.42 yuan), up 3.8% from the previous week and 42.1% YoY. The average price of piglets in 27 provinces including Jiangsu, Jilin, Xinjiang, Shaanxi, and Liaoning has risen, the average price of piglets in Qinghai has fallen, and the average price of piglets in Tianjin has risen. The price remained the same. The average price of piglets in the Northwest region was higher at USD 5.46/kg (38.07 yuan); the average price of piglets in the Southwest region was lower at USD 4.27/kg (29.73 yuan). 

China: The Agricultural and Rural Bureau of Cangnan County in Zhejiang Province Organizes Inspections of Pig Slaughterhouses (Mar 3)

In order to further standardize the slaughtering of pigs in designated pig slaughterhouses (points), on February 23, the Cangnan County Agricultural Administrative Law Enforcement Team and the Cangnan County Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Center went deep into the money bank to carry out daily inspections of pig slaughterhouses. In the process of reviewing the paper and electronic ledgers, the inspectors found that the information registered on the Zhejiang food chain in the slaughterhouse (point) was not standardized; on some dates, the electronic ledger was inconsistent with the paper ledger; on the digital animal husbandry application system, there were no issues such as uploading weighing photos of products that should be harmless, and the site (point) was required to make corrections within a time limit. The person in charge of the slaughterhouse (point) promised to actively rectify the above problems.

Thailand

Songkhla Animal Quarantine Station in Thailand Buried 30MT of Frozen Pig Carcass From Brazil (Mar 2)

Mr. Somchuan Veterinarian Rattana Mangkhalanon Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development revealed that he had received reports from Songkhla animal quarantine checkpoint officials. After investigation and suppression officers Regional Customs Office 4 in collaboration with Sadao Customs House Songkhla Crime Suppression Division and the 5th Infantry Regiment Special Task Force arrested the accused. The middle goods being smuggled were frozen pig carcasses in the amount of 30MT originating from abroad (Brazil) at the cargo yard in Sadao District, Songkhla Province on February 22, 2023. There were no documents found with customs clearance including import license documents or other documents related to customs clearance. On March 1, 2023​, after receiving the middle Songkhla Animal Quarantine Station together with officials from Livestock District 9, Livestock Province, Songkhla Province, and Thepha Animal Breeding and Research Center, the frozen pig carcass was buried

Vietnam

Live Hog Price in Vietnam (Mar 5)

The price of live pigs on Mar 5 in the North fluctuated in the range of USD 2.03/kg and USD 2.07/kg (48K - 49K VND). The prices in the Central and Central Highlands fluctuated in the range of USD 1.98/kg and USD 2.20/kg (47K - 52K VND) while in the South ranged from USD 2.11/kg and USD 2.20/kg (50K - 52K VND). 

Bulgaria

Pig Farmers in Bulgaria Want Higher Welfare Aid Rates (Feb 28)

The Pig Breeding sector has submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture a proposal for new rates of state aid for voluntary commitments to humane treatment. They expect to discuss them at a working meeting in the department as soon as possible. "The proposed rates reflect the real values ​​of the market at the moment. We hope for a dialogue in which a solution will be reached and new levels of support will be proposed for approval by the European Commission. This is very important for us because the Pig Breeding sector is supported only by the state aid for the humane treatment of pigs", commented Dimitar Mihailov, executive director of the Association of Pig Breeders in Bulgaria, for Agri. BG.

Ukraine

Cuttings Market in Ukraine in W9 (Mar 2)

The offseason brought positive price fluctuations on the domestic pork market, say analysts of the Association "Swineherds of Ukraine". The last trades of February were marked by a revival on the part of procurers and, accordingly, positive price dynamics. Yes, pork producers are selling animals this week at slaughter conditions at USD 1.82- 1.85/kg (67-68 hryvnias), which is USD 0.054- 0.095/kg (2-3.5 hryvnias) higher than a week earlier. The weighted average market mark stopped at the level of USD 1.83/kg (67.6 UAH), adding 4.7% to the previous indicator. On Feb 24, the majority of pig farms noted an increase both among regular customers and among former or new customers. In addition, operators recorded requests for additional product batches that could not satisfy due to the lack of free one's volumes Individual representatives of the processing industry confirm that they will be purchased from the desired volume was not easy, so in some places, there was a lack of supply.

In January, Ukraine Spent USD 455K on the Import of Live Pigs (Mar 3)

In January 2023, Ukraine imported 82MT of live pigs worth USD 455K, while there were no deliveries from abroad during the same period last year. All pigs from the beginning of 2023 were imported from Denmark. On the other hand, there was no export of live pigs in January of this year, although, in the first month of 2022, these animals were sent to foreign markets for USD 220.7K.

Romania

Can Romania Vaccinate Against African Swine Fever by 2024? (Feb 27)

In Romania, the pork industry has been most affected by ASF. Romania will therefore be the first country to test the vaccine against African Swine Fever. The question is whether the vaccine will reach the European market by 2024. Dr. Alexandru Bociu, the president of the National Sanitary-Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) has reported that African swine fever outbreaks are decreasing. In 2021, there were still 1.66K outbreaks, of which 45 were on commercial farms. The counter of ASF outbreaks in 2022 stands at 303 confirmed cases.

Jersey

More Than 50KG of Polish Meat Products Seized by Jersey Customs (Mar 2)

Officers of the Jersey Customs and Immigrations Service seized over 50kgs of pork products, including sausages, cooked hams, and minced meat, which had been brought over from Poland. Jersey Evening Post reported that the products, packaged in unmarked tins and plastic wrapping, violated the Jersey law which states that imported meat and animal products arriving on the island from the EU must be in the original, unopened packaging. Shipments are also required to be marked for delivery to a registered business, accompanied by specific documentation and the Environment Health department must be notified of the delivery.

Bhutan

Bhutan Reports African Swine Fever in Domestic Pigs (Mar 3)

Bhutan reported an outbreak of African swine fever in pigs in a village near the border with India, informed the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) on Mar 2. The outbreak killed 6 pigs in a herd of 58 in a village in the Dagana district, the Paris-based WOAH said, citing Bhutanese authorities. The disease is not dangerous to humans but is fatal for pigs.