This week’s Slaughter Pig Marketing Summary from Thames Valley Cambac reported that factory gremlins were in evidence with downtime reported at a couple of majors. However, a good undercurrent of demand ensured that very few were rolled into this trading week.
The supply shortage continued with many producers predicting it is lasting for some time yet. As forecasted last week, the SPP was up 1.84p to 141.68p, the largest one week rise since August 2016. This, and other market fundamentals, buoyed contract prices, but some majors still had to increase their contributions to keep pace.
The fresh meat market was very lively, with many wholesalers experiencing good demand – prices rose 1p to 49 as a result. The cull sow market improved with prices up 4p to 5p on the back of better continental demand. In Europe, prices romped ahead with Denmark and France both adding 4 eurocents and Ireland adding another 6 eurocents. Price quotes in sterling were further enhanced by a stronger Euro that ended the week up 0.47p at 86.25p.
The Weaner Marketing Summary, for week commencing May 5, reported that supply showed little improvement this week, with very few batches excess to contract arrangements being offered. Demand improved, however, from one or two fatteners lucky enough to have spare accommodation.
The prices announced by the AHDB saw the weighted average for a 30kgs store pig rise by 31p to £45.59, and the weighted average for a 7kg weaner fall by 23p to £35.30.
