Livestock diseases and heat drive down Spanish feed demand

Spain's animal feed sector is facing mounting pressure on demand from African swine fever outbreaks and extreme summer heat, which are dampening livestock appetite and prompting farmers to delay herd restocking, multiple traders and brokers said July 30.

Veterinary authorities recorded 373 ASF cases across 65 outbreaks since the disease was first detected in November 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, or MAPA, said July 30.

"Spain's challenges date back to last year, when the first cases of ASF were detected. Farmers became cautious about restocking their herds," a Spanish broker said. "This season, the situation in Spain is complex, with higher feed raw material prices, reduced animal appetite during the summer, and African swine fever all adding pressure to the feed industry."

Spain is the EU's largest pork producer, with its latest production at 429,600 mt in May, according to S&P Global Energy CERA's July report.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed the EU pork marker FCA Barcelona at €2,088/mt July 29, down 16.8% month over month.

Feed demand impact

ASF and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome are significantly pressuring feed demand, another broker said.

Platts assessed FOB Netherlands soybean meal at €365/mt July 29, up 4.89% month over month, and EXW Spain soybean meal at €365/mt, up 4.89%. Platts assessed EXW Spain corn at €238/mt, up 7.69% month over month.

"Usually the summer season is characterized by lower demand as livestock lose appetite, but this year, higher temperatures are further reducing demand," a trader said. "The demand has fallen not only from the pig farming sector, but also from the poultry sector, due to Newcastle disease. Added to this is the seasonal decline in demand caused by the heat."

Spain reported two additional Newcastle disease outbreaks on July 24, resulting in the loss of more than 52,000 commercial broiler chickens, a local news agency reported.

Stocks are piling up while consumption is declining, the first broker said, adding that the 30%-50% coverage producers previously needed may now be only 10%-20% of planned purchases. Most buyers have already covered their needs for August and September, the same trader said, and with lower feed demand, raw material offer prices may decline.