Netherlands - Slight improvements in market situation in 2008

2008 was a rather better year for the pig sector than 2007. This applied especially to producers of clean pigs, who achieved better prices for their animals as the year progressed. The seasonal variation in prices was comparable to other years, but on a higher level. The balance between expenditure and income in the pig sector in 2008 improved to some degree thanks to the higher prices achieved for pigs; despite higher costs for piglets, feed and energy.