See event listings and more articles in this edition of Agri-News: August 28, 2023 issue
“The pork sector is experiencing a fluctuation in prices,” says Ann Boyda, livestock market analyst with the Alberta government. “The North American hog market is facing post-covid challenges stemming from high feed costs, labour shortages and industry consolidation.”
In Alberta, estimated hog production returns suggest producers experienced losses from mid-December 2022 to early June 2023. Costs, primarily feed costs, have shown improvement since start of 2023 and hog price increases have resulted in positive returns over the summer. The year-to-date (January to August 11, 2023) average price per hog with Olymel West 20 is $233.23 per head. Average year-to-date total costs were $238.27 per head.
Chart 1. Estimated Alberta Price and Total Cost per Hog
“Global hog supplies are tightening as the U.S., Europe, and China are in various stages of sow liquidation,” concludes Boyda. “Global plant closures suggest that contraction may continue and although pork demand was stronger in 2022, the declining consumer purchase power is putting pressure on demand.”
Contact
Connect with Ann Boyda for more information:
Phone: 780-422-4088
Email: [email protected]
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