Trade was little changed last week, according to Thames Vally Cambac, with most of the majors keeping numbers tight due to the repeated narrative of poor retail demand, limited export opportunities, and staffing issues.
The continuing flare ups of coronavirus around the country make the whole market jittery as to the possibility that a major plant has production curtailed by an outbreak.
“Supply was ample for demand, and average weights continued to rise – many producers reporting excellent growth,” TVC said in its latest weekly market report.
“There is little opportunity now to get on top of weights until demand picks up. Contract price contributions eased again and the SPP fell back 0.43p. The fresh meat market was fairly resilient however, seemingly helped by good demand for British product.
“The cull sow market continued to recover and prices stood on. European prices were stable, with a 2.5 eurocent improvement in the Belgian quote the only significant movement. Quotes in sterling were compromised however by a weaker Euro that ended the week down 0.94p at 90.05p.”
AHDB weaner prices saw the weighted average for a 30kg store pig quoted at £60.08 and the weighted average for a 7kg weaner quoted at £42.99.
European Prices (p/kg.dwt) w/c 02/08/20 Movement on last week
European Av. 132.97 – 1.04
Belgium 112.97 + 1.18
Denmark 127.02 – 1.31
France 139.73 – 1.45
Germany 132.38 – 1.37
Ireland 149.04 – 1.54
Holland 118.33 – 1.22
Spain 152.01 – 1.57
(Ref Weekly Tribune)