2024 will probably be our best year ever. The numbers for the third quarters are now in, and while prices are on track with 2023 figures, the budgeted volume is almost 25% higher than last year. Undoubtedly, the increased volume of produce and our new-ish high tunnels have had a major impact. Demand from distributors remains strong and we are entirely satisfied with this segment, but where as in 2022 it represented nearly 80% of our volume, this year it was down to 45%, excluding the business that is channelled via our wholesalers but is destined for our subsidiaries.
One thing I had not counted on was the quick reproduction rate of our pigs, first pigs are very very good at reproducing, and that has increased our labour costs, but our direct-to-consumer business there has proven very successful and the 44 hams we have aging, are looking delicious. Not the AAA equivalent to what the Spanish produce but a very attractive solution at a fraction of the cost. Our current 44 hams that are aging are already sold. In fact, our cattle operations have gone better than expected because of the porc business.
The one business that has suffered is our continental segment, demand has been flagging, but domestic demand has increased dramatically. More than making up for our export shortfall. It is very strange, this year both my wife and I have been far less involved in the operations of the farm, it has to do with the growth. We added 22 employees this year, entirely driven by our farm manager. the bee business has been excellent and our honey, actually the honey of our employees, our interest in the hives is entirely driven by their pollination, and the honey production is too artisanal for us.
2024 has been a pivotal year for us, the farm has gone from a hobby farm in 2021 to a large family farm in 2023 to a real commercial farm in 2024. The wet weather has not hampered production, and all our cheese and butter find willing buyers despite doubling production (sorry we cannot supply butter to retail buyers, it is fully spoken for by our restaurant business).
Anyway, a short update. In terms of currency exposure
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