Factory reliability tests the patience – TVC

Factory reliability tested the patience of both producers and hauliers last week, according to Thames Vally Cambac.

There were numerous breakdowns causing diverted and cancelled loads, and eventually a number of pigs were rolled into this trading week. “Reasons ranged from broken lines to wildlife incursions into boning halls! Most factories plan to be very efficient and cannot cope with even small periods of downtime,” TVC said in latest weekly market report.

Demand was a reportedly touch steadier from the majors, partly due to having to cope with rolled pigs, but also on the back of poorer retail trade. Supplies improved slightly, with some producers beginning to push the weight boundaries.

The SPP recorded heavier, fatter pigs in its sample, which was the reason for its fall of 0.14p to 165.36p. Contract contributions eased in a couple of outlets, but they were the exception, TVC said.

The fresh meat market was very variable, with some outlets seeing good trade from foodservice, while others spoke of little upturn in demand post the easing of lockdown.

The cull sow market remained quiet with the exporters striving to secure enough orders, although TVC welcomed the news that the Tonnies plant in Germany was planning to reopen.

European markets were generally static, with falls recorded in Spain and France only. Price quotes in sterling were enhanced by a stronger Euro that ended the week at an eleven month high, up 1.51p at 91.08p.

Supplies improved slightly, but demand remained fickle, with some fatteners compromised as yards become temporary areas for corn storage rather than pigs. Prices were similar.

AHDB weaner prices saw the weighted average for a 30kg store pig rise by £1.48 to £60.84 and the weighted average for a 7kg weaner fall by 42p to £42.72.

European Prices (p/kg.dwt) w/c 19/07/20    Movement on last week

European Av.                           134.14             + 1.68

Belgium                                  111.21              + 1.84

Denmark                                 128.40             + 2.13

France                                    141.32             + 1.16

Germany                                 133.88             + 2.22

Ireland                                     150.73             + 2.50

Holland                                    119.68             + 1.98

Spain                                       153.74             – 0.03

(Ref Weekly Tribune)