Total meat production rose to about 400 million kilos last year. Pork production broke records once again with production reaching 217 million kilos. Poultry meat production exceeded 100 million kilos for the first time. Just over seven per cent less beef was produced than in 2007. Meat producer prices have been rising.

Beef production has not been this low since 1962
Last year, beef production amounted to about 82 million kilos, just over seven per cent and slightly under seven million kilos less than in the previous year. Total beef production was the lowest it has been in the 2000s, and production has not been this low since 1962. About 275,000 head of beefstock were slaughtered – 26,000 fewer than in 2007. Slaughter volumes for bulls (–7%), heifers (–9%) and cows (–10%) all declined. Average carcass weights were, however, up on last year: bulls 335 kilos, heifers 242 kilos and cows 272 kilos.

Beef producer prices rose for the fourth consecutive year. In 2008, producers were paid an average of EUR 280/100 kg for bull meat, EUR 225/100 kg for heifer meat and EUR 165/100 kg for cow meat. Prices were 8–11 per cent higher than in 2007.

In 2008, nominal bull and heifer meat prices hit a record high since Finland joined the EU. However, price trends differ when nominal prices are converted into real prices using the consumer price index: the real prices of bull and heifer meat peaked during the early years of Finland’s EU membership. Last year’s real prices were 16–18 per cent lower than this.

Pork production continues to break records
Pork production has reached record levels for the sixth year in a row. A total of 217 million kilos of pork was produced last year, up about two per cent on 2007. Slaughter volumes for fattening pigs only rose slightly on 2007, while the number of sows slaughtered increased by just over ten per cent. The average carcass weight of fattening pigs rose by one kilo to 86 kilos.

Pork producer prices rose for the second consecutive year. In 2008, producers were paid an average of EUR 149/100 kg, ten per cent more than in 2007. Since Finland joined the EU, the real price of pork has been at its highest in 1997 and 2001. Last year's price level was 14 per cent lower.

Poultry meat production exceeds 100 million kilos for the first time
Poultry meat production totalled approximately 101 million kilos last year – just over five million kilos and almost six per cent more than in 2007. Broiler meat production increased by about eight per cent to 89 million kilos, while turkey meat production fell by over ten per cent to ten million kilos. Broiler slaughter volumes rose by a couple of per cent to slightly over 54 million birds, and the average carcass weight increased to 1.6 kilos. Other types of poultry meat accounted for just under two million kilos of total production.

The price of broiler meat rose for the second year running. In 2008, the producer price of broiler meat averaged EUR 130/100 kg, representing a rise of 14 per cent on 2007. Nominal producer prices reached a record high since Finland joined the EU. Real price trends differ: the real price of broiler meat peaked in 1997. Compared to this, the real price level in 2008 was seven per cent lower.

Background to the statistics
The data on slaughtering in abattoirs and meat producer prices is based on surveys conducted among abattoirs. The data on home slaughtering is collected from farmers using an annual sampling study. The quantities of beefstock slaughtered in abattoirs and on farms are obtained from the Bovine Register.

 

For additional information

Price statistics: Researcher Elina Seppälä, tel. +358 (0)20 77 21313

Production statistics: Actuary Sanna Vuorisalo, tel. +358 (0)20 77 21379

E-mail: forename.surname@mmmtike.fi

 

Monthly reports on abattoir statistics are also available, and may be ordered by telephone on +358 (0)20 77 21 208 or by e-mail: tietopalvelu@mmmtike.fi