Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing challenges in China's pig farming industry, highlighting the prolonged downturn in pig prices and the impact of the pig cycle on the market dynamics [3][4][11]. Group 1: Pig Price Trends - Since April 2022, the current pig cycle has been marked by a prolonged low point, with the average purchase price of live pigs dropping to 13.11 yuan per kilogram by late November 2025, reflecting a 0.9% decrease month-on-month and a 27% decrease year-on-year [4][9]. - The lack of seasonal demand during the year-end peak indicates a persistent supply-demand imbalance in the market [4]. Group 2: Industry Responses - Major pig farming companies like Tian Kang Biological, Shennong Group, and others have halted their pig farming projects, while leading firms such as Muyuan, Wens, and others have also suspended multiple projects due to cash flow pressures [5][6]. - The overall asset-liability ratio of listed pig companies has increased, indicating heightened financial stress within the industry [6]. Group 3: Smallholder Challenges - Traditional small-scale pig farmers face dire circumstances due to their limited purchasing power for feed and veterinary supplies, resulting in higher production costs compared to large-scale operations [7]. - The cost of raising pigs for smallholders has significantly increased, with a notable difference in costs compared to large-scale farmers, leading to greater financial losses during the current price downturn [7]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The number of breeding sows in China has remained above the normal level of 39 million, with recent figures showing around 40.4 million, contributing to the oversupply in the market [8][9]. - The prolonged low prices are attributed to the high number of breeding sows and the inability of the market to absorb the excess supply, exacerbated by competition from alternative proteins like chicken and beef [14]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The current pig cycle is seen as a potential turning point, not in terms of price recovery, but in the structural changes within the pig farming industry due to increased scale and consolidation [15]. - Companies are shifting from merely raising pigs to integrating downstream operations such as slaughtering and meat processing to mitigate cyclical risks and enhance profitability [17][18].