Hogs, chicken production grow in Q3

MANILA, Philippines — The local production of chicken and hogs posted significant increases in the third quarter of the year, proving that there is enough supply of the commodities.

Based on latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, chicken production in the July to September period increased four percent to 428,770 metric tons (MT) while swine population improved one percent to 13.13 million heads.

The increase was attributed to the expansion of broiler farm capacity, improvement of farm facilities, opening of new commercial broiler farms in several areas, and the increasing demand from households, food processors and hotel establishments.

PSA said most of the regions posted positive growth in production, with Central Luzon remaining as the top producer for chicken contributing 34 percent of total output.

Total chicken inventory was estimated at 195 million birds, up seven percent year-on-year. All three types of chicken – native, broiler and layer – posted increments during the period.

Average farm gate price during the third quarter was recorded at P87.33 per kilogram, a 26 percent increase from last year’s P69.50 per kilo.

Meanwhile, total swine inventory reached 13.13 million heads, nearly one percent higher compared with the previous year’s inventory of 13.01 million heads.

PSA said higher farm gate price encouraged hog raisers to dispose of their stocks, as well as the sustained demand in Central Luzon, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas contributed to the better production.

Inventory in backyard and commercial farms both increased by a percentage.

Average farm gate price of live hogs for slaughter from July to September 2018 increased by six percent or from P108.91 per kilo in 2017 to P115.41 per kilo this year.

Prices of pork and chicken have slowly stabilized over the past month following the implementation of suggested retail price for the commodities.

Latest market monitoring showed that pork (kasim and liempo) is priced at P190 to P240 per kilo while chicken prices range from P115 to P150 per kilo.