Tike (Information Centre of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry) statis-tics showed a rise in pork production volumes to a new record of 208.3 million kilograms in 2006. There was a slight downturn in pork producer prices. For the second year running, poultry meat production exceeded that of beef. Beef production increased slightly on the previous year. Beef producer prices rose for the second consecutive year.

Last year, meat production totalled 384 million kg, or 1.7% more than the year before. The statistics also include home-slaughtered beef cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry, amounting to about 2.5 million kilos last year.


Beef production and producer prices on a slight upward trend

Last year's total beef production was 87.2 million kilos. Of the total, 58% was bull meat, 32% from cows and 10% from heifers. Beef production increased by 0.5% on the previous year. About 304,000 head of beefstock were slaughtered, 2,000 fewer than in 2005. Volumes of slaughtered cows were up (6,5% ), while those of bulls (-5%) and heifers (-2%) fell. The average carcass weight of a cow rose to 265 kg, that of a bull to 325 kg, and a heifer to 233 kg.

Beef producer prices rose for the second consecutive year. Producers were paid EUR 250/100 kg for bull meat last year, or on average four percent more than in 2005. The rise in cow meat producer price was similar, the price last year was EUR 145/100 kg. Heifer meat prices rose around five percent and averaged EUR 198/100 kg.

Over the last ten years, nominal beef prices have peaked in 1998. Compared to this, the average 2006 price levels were down by about 3% for bull meat, 16% for cow meat and 6% for heifer meat.

Pork production reached new record

Pork production last year was the highest ever at 208.3 million kilos. Production increased by more than 2% on the previous year. The proportion of pork of Finland's total meat production is over 50%. Pork production has grown steadily since the year 2000. Last year, 20% more pork was produced than in 2000. The average carcass weight of fattening pigs rose by almost two kilos compared to the year before, to 84.5 kilos.

While production volumes grew, there was a slight downturn in pork producer prices after a rise lasting two years. Last year, the producer price of a pork pig averaged at EUR 130/100 kg or about two percent below 2005 level. Over the last ten years, the nominal producer price of fattening pig meat reached its peak in 2001. Last year's price level was 16% lower than this.

Poultry meat production continued to grow for third year running

Poultry meat production also reached record levels last year. Total poultry meat production was approx. 88 million kilograms, or about one percent up on 2005. For the last two years, poultry meat production has exceeded that of beef. Broiler meat production reached 74 million kilos, almost 4% more than the previ-ous year. Turkey meat production fell by about 11% and stood at 12.3 million kilos.

Poultry meat prices continued to decline. Last year, the producer price of broiler meat averaged at EUR 109/100 kg or about four percent below 2005 level. The price of turkey meat fell by the same percentage and averaged at EUR 147/100 kg last year. Over the last ten years, nominal poultry meat producer prices reached their peak in 2002. Compared to this, the average 2006 price of broiler meat was down by 9%, and the price of turkey meat by 8%.

The data on slaughterings in abattoirs and meat producer prices are based on surveys conducted among abattoirs. The data on home slaughterings are collected from farmers through an annual farm survey conducted as a sampling study. Quantities of slaughtered beefstock in abattoirs and on farms are obtained from the Bovine Register, which is a part of the Rural Business Register.

Additional information

Actuary Sanna Vuorisalo, tel. +358 (0)20 77 21 379
Researcher Elina Seppälä, tel. +358 (0)20 77 21 313
Email: firstname.lastname@mmmtike.fi


Price and ordering information


The statistical report on abattoirs is available to order. The price is EUR 14,03/each + postage & packing EUR 6,10 (incl. VAT). The reports may be or-dered by telephone on +358 (02)0 77 21 208 or by email: tietopalvelu@mmmtike.fi