Pork: Cost of production and performance

Use the data below to compare your technical and financial performance, year-on-year, with other farms with similar production systems, including internationally.

Our cost of pig production estimates in Figure 1 are updated quarterly.

Costs are broken down by feed, building, labour and other variables, and the price per kill (the SPP EU spec line in the figure).

Figure 1. Estimated cost of pig production in Great Britain 2019–2025 (pence per kg)

The stacked bar chart in Figure 1 shows quarterly pig‑production costs from 2020 to 2025, broken down into feed (brown bar); buildings, maintenance and finance (green bar); labour (dark blue bar); and other variable costs (light blue bar). Feed is consistently the largest component. A line representing the Standard Pig Price (SPP) follows a similar rise and decline over the same period.

The results are only indicative, due to:

• Varying performance levels between producers
• Use of 12 month averages for some figures
• Use of monthly spot purchased compound feed prices

Our estimated net margins for pig production in Figure 2 are updated quarterly.

The net margin is based on the difference between:

• Price per kilo
• Cost of production (including depreciation costs)

Figure 2 shows these numbers for an average producer in GB using current known physical and financial assumptions.

Figure 2. Estimated net margin for pig production in Great Britain 2019–2025 (£ per head)

You can use key performance indicators (KPIs) to help with decision making and improving performance.

Use the interactive tool below to compare your business performance with other GB producers.

You can choose between indoor and outdoor breeding, finishing, rearing or combined feeding herds, as well as comparing a variety of KPI measures across the average, top third or top 10% of performers.

While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.

All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk  © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.