Shout prices updated to Thursday, December 5.

With the exception of sow prices, pig values have held at largely similar levels, although with a few more numbers about some spot buyers were able to save a copper or two with spot bacon generally trading in the 175–177p/kg range and lighter pigs 4–6p/kg above this.

The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) has announced a new approach to scanning surveillance that it says will better detect new and re-emerging animal diseases and threats in England and Wales. The new system will see the number of post mortem centres reduce from 14 to just six by 2015.

The British pig industry is set for a major boost in exports to China after a trade delegation headed by Prime Minister David Cameron lobbied for approval to export pigs' trotters to the Asian giant.

Spending on pork increased 6% during the 12 weeks to 10 November, according to figures from Kantar Worldpanel.

The British Government has followed up last year's trade deal to send live pigs to China with an agreement that will also allow the UK to export pig semen.

Merchants' buying prices in £/tonne ex-farm, supplied by the British Hay & Straw Merchants' Association.

Annual Investment Value (AIV) is very underused as a measurement term by pig farmers the world over. Pig producers have a vast range of options in how best to spend their hard-earned capital. There are at least 100 feed additives to choose from, more than 200 medicinal products and at least that number of pieces of pig equipment; all of these from the very cheap to the extremely expensive. AIV (I invented the term 25 years ago) narrows the choice to a considerable extent.

Four companies have secured scholars from Harper Adams University to take part in the first Pig Industry Scholarship programme, which includes a paid industrial placement year.

The AHDB has started a consultation process to seek the views of levy payers and other agriculture and horticulture industry stakeholders on the priorities and commitments in the organisation's draft sector corporate plans for 2014-17. These include the recommendation that levy rates across all six sectors should remain unchanged for the 2014/15.

The Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) has updated its guidelines for the use of antimicrobials in pigs.

Agrosoft Ltd has announced the appointment of Jonathan Ferguson to its UK-based customer-support team.

BPEX is urging all pig producers, stockmen and vets to attend a series of regional meetings titled How pork safety is about to impact the security of your business.

According to provisional figures published by BPEX, the cost of pig production increased slightly in November, rising 3p to 147.3p/kg.

Clean pig carcases slaughtered in UK abattoirs averaged more than 80kg for the first time ever in October.

The Welsh pig breeding herd amounted to 4,382 sows in the middle of this year, according to figures just released from the country's June 2013 agricultural census.

As the weather turns colder, pig farmers have ben reminded to review their storage of pig semen.

Cranswick PLC has reported a 16% increase in its pre-tax profit of £26.1 million for the six months ended September 30, up from GBP22.4 million a year earlier. The group reported a net profit of £21.1 million.

BPEX has announced that the sale of its former pig development unit at Stotfold, Bedfordshire, has been completed.

Pig production costs in Great Britain last year were higher than in most other major producing countries, including all of the main export suppliers of pork to the GB market, according BPEX's latest annual report comparing costs of pig production internationally.

Tests carried out by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) have shown that more than half the bacon on retailers shelves with labelling suggesting it was home-produced is actually of imported origin.

Members of the Freedom Food scheme are being given the chance to give their feedback on the development of the RSPCA’s welfare standards for farm animals.

Tesco has launched a new initiative aimed at supporting the next generation of British farmers.

Belfast-based agri‐technology company Devenish Nutrition has further increased its presence in the GB market by opening a food-grade premix manufacturing facility at Widnes, Cheshire. 

BPEX master butcher Keith Fisher has been helping out behind the scenes of the new four-part BBC programme Nigel and Adam’s Farm Kitchen.

Livestock will remain a vital part of global food supply for one vital reason - they can eat things we can't.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is looking for two English pig producers to join the BPEX board. The new appointees will replace board members who have completed their term in office, and will assist the BPEX chairman in developing strategy, overseeing financial issues and ensuring effective governance.

Tony Wright has been named winner of the BPEX Trainee of the Year Award 2013.

Wiltshire-based vet Pete Bown was presented with the 2013 David Black Award at a breakfast ceremony at the Houses of Parliament in London on November 6.