This week’s Slaughtering Pig Summary, from Thames Valley Cambac, reported that with only six full week’s processing left before Christmas, most of the majors were still commenting on poor retail demand.
However, a couple of Saturday kills belie the fact that there is excellent export potential, with cold store availability the only limiting factor. Supply remained on the tight side, with average weights trending lower, and all pigs were placed.
Contract prices generally improved, with the SPP reversing the fall seen the previous week, up 0.92p at 157.71p. Prices increased in the fresh meat market as well, with good demand seen from many wholesalers. The cull sow market was a stand on pricewise.
In Europe, Denmark continued to roar ahead, up another 5.3 euro cents, on the back of better export demand, and extra premiums paid to encourage pigs prior to Christmas. Holland and Ireland added 4.3 and 4.0 eurocents respectively. Price quotes in sterling were tempered however by a weaker Euro that ended the week down 0.44p at 86.16p.
The Weaner Marketing Summary, for week commencing November 3, reported that supply of both 7kg weaners and 30kg stores continued to outstrip demand. Supplies were further enhanced by batches from some breeders wishing to relieve space issues on farm.
The prices announced by the AHDB saw the weighted average for a 30kg store pig quoted at £57.02, and the weighted average for a 7kg weaner fall by 24p to £40.86p.
