EU sow prices remain low but steady

The price of sows in key EU member states have steadied over the past two months. This follows sharp declines in prices throughout August, September and October. The price declines reflect trends within the finished pig market, as Europe continues to be awash with pig meat. British prices normally follow European prices, although at a slightly lower level, due to most British sow carcases being exported.

Average prices for week ending 23 January are:

• Germany €0.79/kg
• Denmark €0.56/kg
• Netherlands €0.80/kg
• France €0.71/kg

Both the German and English pig herds have declined in 2021, with Germany seeing its smallest pig population for 25 years. The size of the English female breeding herd was down 6.9% (22,000 head) on the year before, according to the latest data released by Defra. For more information on what this contraction in herd size might mean for UK production and trade in 2022 read our latest agri-market outlook.

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