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According to USDA forecasts, Australian swine inventory and pig meat production is expected to decline slightly in 2013. The primary driving factor is the increase in feed-grain prices which is expected to be exacerbated by the forecast fall in sorghum production. The feed grain price index in Australia is generally above the 5 year average.
Total pig numbers are now forecast to finish the year at 2.25 million head, at reduction of 50,000 head from the previous estimate.Total pig slaughter is forecast at 4.650 million head, a slight decline from the previous estimate of 4,700 million head. Forecast production thus declines to 340Mt. The continued high Australian dollar is expected to restrict exports to 35,000MT and as previously forecast imports are expected to continue to increase to 210,000MT, up from 194,000MT in 2012.
Thursday March 14, 2013/ GAIN-USDA.
http://gain.fas.usda.gov
