Growth in pork and poultry production ends, producer prices fall in 2009

About 384 million kilos of meat was produced in 2009, which is four per cent less than in 2008. Beef production rose slightly on 2008, and beef producer prices continued to rise. After eight years of growth, 2009 saw a downswing in pork and poultry production. Pork and poultry producer prices also fell. These figures are based on the latest statistics compiled by Tike (Information Centre of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry).

Slight rise in beef production
Beef production rose by one per cent in 2009 and, excluding home slaughter, amounted to just over 81 million kilos. About 267,300 cattle were slaughtered at slaughterhouses, which is only slightly more than in 2008. The slaughter volumes of bulls (+0.5%) and heifers (+3.5%) rose, while those of cows (–2%) fell. Average carcass weights all increased: bulls to 338 kilos, heifers to 244 kilos and cows to 275 kilos.

Beef producer prices rose for the fifth consecutive year. In 2009, producers were paid an average of EUR 284/100 kg for bull meat, EUR 229/100 kg for heifer meat and EUR 171/100 kg for cow meat. Compared to 2008, the price for cow meat increased the most (+4%). Bull and heifer meat prices rose by 1–2 per cent.

The 2009 beef producer prices were the highest of the 2000s. When compared to nominal prices in 2000, 2009 producer prices were 13–19 per cent higher.

Growth in pork production ends
After increasing for the past eight years, pork production experienced a slump in 2009. About 206 million kilos of pork was produced, which is five per cent less than in 2008. The slaughter volumes of swine declined to just over 2.3 million animals. The average carcass weight of fattening pigs fell to just under 86 kilos. Pork accounted for 54 per cent of total meat production.

Pork producer prices also fell after having risen for the past two years. In 2009, producers were paid EUR 145 per one hundred kilos of fattening pig meat, which is three per cent less than in 2008. The peak price of the decade, EUR 154/100 kg, was reached in 2001. The 2009 producer price was six per cent lower than that.

A slump in poultry production
In recent years, increased broiler production has driven a general rise in poultry production. However, production experienced a downswing in 2009. Just under 95 million kilos of poultry meat was produced, which is almost six per cent less than in 2008. Broiler production reduced by just under five per cent and turkey production by just over 13 per cent on 2008. Average carcass weights rose: broilers to 1.7 kilos and turkeys to 9.2 kilos.

Although the producer price of broiler meat had been rising for a couple of years, it experienced a downswing in 2009. Producers received EUR 124 per 100 kilos of broiler meat in 2009. The peak price of the decade, EUR 130 per 100 kilos, was reached in 2008. The 2009 producer price was five per cent lower than that.

Background to the statistics
Data on meat producer prices and slaughtering carried out at slaughterhouses is based on surveys conducted among slaughterhouses. The volume of cattle slaughtered at slaughterhouses is obtained from the Bovine Register. Data on home slaughtering is collected from farmers using an annual sampling study.

The statistical tables associated with this press release are available on our Matilda agricultural statistics service. See: Producer Prices of Agricultural Products, Slaughterhouse Statistics and Total Meat Production

For more information, contact
Price statistics: researcher Elina Seppälä, tel. +358 20 77 21313
Production statistics: actuary Sanna Vuorisalo, tel. +358 20 77 21379
E-mail addresses are in the format: forename.surname@mmmtike.fi