Fluctuations in gross margins in livestock farming up to and including November 2024 |
10/01/2025 |
The monthly gross margins in livestock farming showed significant variations up to and including November 2024, depending on the sector. While some sectors, such as fattening pigs and broiler chickens, experienced rising margins due to favourable price developments, others, like sow farms and laying hen farms, faced greater challenges. These differences were primarily driven by fluctuations in revenue prices, feed and animal costs, and shifting market demand. Despite this volatility, many sectors continue to outperform their long-term averages.
Dairy cattle
In November 2024, the gross margin for a standard dairy farm reached 29,700 euros, 69% higher than November 2023 and 55% above the long-term average for this month. This was attributed to a milk price of 55 euros per 100 kg, 38% above the ten-year average, and reduced feed costs. Calf and slaughter cow prices in November were 90% and 54% above their long-term averages, respectively.
Laying hens
The gross margin for laying hen farms rose to nearly 72,000 euros per farm in November 2024, nearly 50% higher than in November 2023. Egg prices recovered significantly in the second half of the year, while feed costs remained relatively stable. These developments contributed to a notably strong gross margin.
Broiler chickens
In November 2024, the gross margin for broiler farms was 37,000 euros per farm, 15% higher than in August. Broiler prices remained high, with a selling price of 1.19 euros per kilogram, while feed costs in November were significantly lower than the peak in January 2023.
Fattening pigs
The gross margin for fattening pig farms declined to 33,200 euros in November 2024, due to higher feed costs and lower pork prices. However, the rolling annual margin remained high at 338,700 euros, which is more than 40% above the long-term average.
Sows
The gross margin for sow farms remained at a lower level in November, at 40,000 euros per farm, a 69% decrease compared to April. Despite challenges from declining piglet prices, the rolling annual margin of 999,000 euros remains significantly higher than the long-term average.
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