Keep up to date with the latest news from the pork market in October 2024

Expect pig shortages until mid-November 

The pork market has for the first 2 months of FY25 continued to be quite strong. At the start of the financial year there was an excess number of pigs in the market, however this excess amount has since reduced. There is a now a shortage of pigs in the industry and the forecast for livestock predicts that the industry will continue to be short of pigs until mid-November. 

Relief in grain, however pig market remains strained 

Export numbers are still holding strong, with farms now sending pigs to market earlier than expected, due to winter growth weights leaving a hole in supply. A recent relief in grain would normally see a corresponding relief in the pig market. However, because the demand for pigs is so high, the pig market remains under pressure and will likely become further pressured heading into the Christmas season.  

Main pork cuts are in very high demand 

Livestock in general has had upwards pressure since the start of FY25. Pork primal cuts are no exception, as all the main cuts are in very high demand. The big movers in this space are leg & shoulder meat, bellies, loins, collar butts. Ham trim pork legs are in particularly high demand with a lot of processors attempting to secure a reliable stock leading into the Christmas ham season.  

Pressure on availability in pork market heading into Christmas 

Whilst the middle of 2024 witnessed some easing supply conditions in the pork market, strong export demand and livestock supply cycles have put pressure on availability in recent months. Pressure on availability is expected to continue into Christmas, particularly on high demand cuts including legs, bellies, loins, and collar butts. Recently we have seen the traditional winter increase in demand for bellies and legs. As we approach the warmer months, we expect to see increasing demand for pork cutlets, sausages and value add pork products. 

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