Pig sector recovering in May, strong margins persist in poultry and dairy sectors |
08/07/2025 |
In May 2025, the Dutch livestock sector presented a more uniform picture. The dairy sector continued to benefit from high milk and cattle prices. In the pig finishing sector, a recovery was visible after a weak start to the year. The sow sector still recorded strong margins, despite a slight decline compared to last year. In the poultry sector, gross margins remained high, with an exceptionally strong result in the broiler segment.
Dairy sector: margin 83% above long-term average
The gross margin of the standardised dairy farm amounted to 38,900 euros per farm in May 2025, 41% higher than in May 2024 and 83% above the long-term average. The milk price rose to nearly the peak level of December 2024, and prices for cull cows and calves were also significantly higher than normal. Compound feed prices remained relatively high but stable. The rolling twelve-month gross margin was 52% above the long-term average.
Sow sector: high level despite slight decline
In May 2025, the gross margin in the sow sector amounted to 96,500 euros per farm. Although lower than in May 2024, this still represents a very high level. Piglet prices remained strong, despite a slight decline compared to April. Cull sow prices continued to rise. Feed costs remained structurally high but decreased slightly compared to previous months.
Fattening pig sector: recovery after trough
Following a negative gross margin in March (-1,200 euros), results improved in May 2025 to 22,000 euros per farm — slightly above the level in May 2024. The pig price rose to 2.02 euros per kg, while feed costs declined slightly after peaking in January. Piglet purchase costs remained high. The rolling twelve-month gross margin stood at 277,000 euros per farm, still 10% above the long-term average.
Broiler sector: highest margin in years
The gross margin in the broiler sector rose to 52,200 euros per farm in May 2025 — the highest level in years. Revenues increased sharply since March, driven by higher broiler prices, while costs remained stable. Reduced supply of conventional broilers and avian influenza outbreaks in other countries led to increased demand in the EU market. The rolling twelve-month gross margin reached 457,700 euros, nearly three times the long-term average.
Laying hens: high egg prices keep margin steady
The gross margin in the laying hen sector amounted to 88,600 euros per farm in May 2025, more than one and a half times higher than at the beginning of the year. The egg price declined slightly from the March peak, but at 2.47 euros per kilogram it remained at a historically high level. Supply remained tight due to avian influenza and farm closures. The rolling twelve-month gross margin was 621,000 euros, well above the long-term average of 293,000 euros. |