Unprecedented Drop in Pig Numbers
EU - The total European Union breeding herd fell by an unprecedented six per cent compared with a year earlier, according to December census results. Slaughter pigs are down five per cent."Record feed costs throughout Europe in the year to mid-2008 had a significant impact on pig numbers," reports BPEX economist Tony Fowler. "Declines were recorded in every member state except Italy, although the most marked contractions were seen in eastern European countries.
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"These results indicate that European Union pigmeat production will remain well down on year earlier levels, at least through to mid-2009 and possibly through to the end of the year."