Currently, live pig prices in Hung Yen Province are being purchased at 70,000–74,000 VND/kg. The sharp increase in selling prices has also driven up the prices of commercial pork and piglets.
At the end of 2024, live pig prices in the province ranged from 63,000–65,000 VND/kg, a level considered favorable and meeting livestock farmers’ profit expectations. By Lunar New Year, live pig prices rose slightly to 66,000–68,000 VND/kg. Normally, after Tet, consumption demand declines and pig prices return to normal. However, this year, live pig prices after Lunar New Year did not fall but continued to rise sharply.
Currently, traders are buying live pigs at farmers’ barns for 70,000–74,000 VND/kg, up 8,000–10,000 VND/kg compared with the same period last year.
LIVESTOCK FARMERS REJOICE AS PORK PRICES RISE
Mr. Bui Van Tham in Hai Thang Commune (Tien Lu) was delighted after just selling 2 tons of live pigs at 73,000 VND/kg. At this price, his family earned over 2 million VND per pig. Mr. Tham shared: "My family regularly keeps 5 breeding sows and over 100 market pigs. This is the highest profit level in the past 2–3 years. I feel confident about restocking and focusing on caring for and preventing disease in my herd."
The rise in live pig prices has also pushed up pork prices at markets. Surveys show that pork prices at local markets range from 130,000–160,000 VND/kg, while at clean food stores and supermarkets, prices reach 170,000–200,000 VND/kg.
Mr. Thanh, a pork vendor at An Vi Commune Market (Khoai Chau), said: "After Tet, the sharp increase in live pig prices has also raised the price of pork from slaughterhouses. Although prices have increased, consumer demand has slowed somewhat, and many people are choosing substitute foods to save on expenses."
Ms. Mung, a resident of Hien Nam Ward (Hung Yen City), also shared: "Since after the Lantern Festival, pork prices at the market have continuously increased by another 10,000–20,000 VND/kg. Therefore, I am considering choosing other foods to fit my family’s budget."
PIGLET PRICES RISE, MAKING RESTOCKING DIFFICULT FOR FARMERS
After the Tet and Lantern Festival sales period, households, small farms, and larger farms are actively restocking to serve the market. However, due to high demand, piglets in localities across the province are in short supply and prices have also risen sharply.
Currently, breeding pigs cost 10–12 million VND each, 2–3 million VND higher than the same period last year. Piglets have also risen to 2.2–2.4 million VND each, up about 800,000 VND per piglet compared with last year.
Ms. Le Thi Hong, owner of a closed-loop pig farm in Phung Hung Commune (Khoai Chau), said: "My farm regularly raises 200 market pigs and 50 breeding sows to proactively source piglets. On average, I sell 100–200 piglets each month. Currently, at a selling price of 2.4 million VND per piglet, the profit is about 1.2 million VND per piglet. However, the number of piglets from my farm is not enough to supply livestock households in the area."
Many livestock households said that buying piglets is currently very difficult. In fact, many households have placed deposits a month in advance but still have not received piglets for restocking.
CAUTION WHEN RESTOCKING, ENSURE BIOSECURITY
According to experts, live pig prices are rising for several reasons, including reduced supply after pre-Tet sales, the impact of natural disasters that have reduced herd sizes, and the fact that many livestock households have switched to raising other animals due to high feed costs in recent years.
According to data from the Livestock Division of the Hung Yen Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the province’s total pig herd is currently about 518,000 head, up 0.2% compared with the same period last year. However, experts advise livestock farmers to carefully calculate before deciding to increase herd size to avoid risks when the market fluctuates.
In addition, livestock households need to apply biosecure farming measures, vaccinate fully, and regularly clean and disinfect barns to prevent disease. At the same time, slaughtering and transportation must be properly controlled to ensure food safety and stabilize the livestock market.
Huong Giang – Duong Mien
Source: Hung Yen Newspaper
