Despite facing one of the most turbulent years in its history, Rabobank predicts that the global pork industry will experience some hog price recovery toward the end of 2012 and into 2013. This change will occur when the current supply boost from feed price-induced herd liquidation fades.
A new report from Rabobank looks at the impact of drought in various global markets, notably consolidation at the farm level due to high feed costs, as well as the variance in pricing in major pork markets.
“Diverging price trends in key markets were the distinguishing feature of the global pork trade in Q3 2012. Clearly, production cycles are not synchronized globally – and this creates opportunities for those with flexible procurement and sales operations,” says David C. Nelson, global animal protein strategist at Rabobank and an author of the report.
The report also focuses on these key points:
“The consequences of the worst drought in the United States in nearly a century were further exacerbated by droughts in South America and Russia,” Nelson says. “The result will be historically low stocks-to-use ratios for feed crops and high costs for at least the coming 12 months. Further demand rationing for feed crops will be required for the biofuel production and animal protein industries, including pork. Continuing tight global beef supplies will also provide a pricing umbrella for pork.”
For more information about Rabobank, visit www.Rabobank.com.