GB pig compound feed production for the first quarter of 2017, was 4% lower than the same period in 2016 at 442,000 tonnes, according to latest data published by Defra.
The majority of the decline was driven by a 5% (12,000 tonnes) fall in finisher feed output, while starter/grower feed production fell by 1% (1,300 tonnes) on the year. The reduction in finisher feed and starter/grower feed production during quarter one, backs up the sentiment that domestic pig meat supplies have been tight so far this year.
GB pig breeder feed production also decreased on the year in quarter one, by 5% (4,700 tonnes). Last year there was an assumed contraction in the domestic breeding herd, driven by pig prices hitting multi-year lows in early spring, which links with the fall in GB pig feed production.
However, since then, market conditions have improved and the breeding herd is currently expected to be edging up again. Likewise, market conditions are expected to remain favourable in the coming months, supporting continued growth in the breeding herd. A recovery in the breeding herd is expected to contribute to an increase in pig meat production during the latter half of the year. If this is the case, then we may see a recovery in GB pig feed production towards the end of this year.
