Another firm day for sellers with the SPP moving up by 0.24p to stand at 150.18p and although German prices have stood on, GB pigs remain short.
There are very few spot pigs on offer, but where pigs were available prices in the 155p/kg region were on the cards, according to load size and specification.
Weekly contribution prices are also continuing to improve, up by 1p – 2p/kg in the main within a 148p to 155p/kg range.
The Euro has, however, eased by a gnat’s whisker, with trading on Friday worth 86.8p compared with 87.4p a week ago, but despite this, most cull sow bids remained at stand on levels nudging up towards 100p/kg in places.
Weaner prices continue to defy gravity and, although the latest AHDB ex farm averages have remained at similar levels, with the 30kg average quoted at £55.65/head and 7kg at £38.50/head, spot quotes have been well ahead of this. Some Red Tractor 30kg pigs have been approaching the £60/head mark and 7kg piglets are breaching the £40/head barrier, too in places.
Feed markets have ended a fairly uneventful week with UK spot feed wheat averaging £143.30/t ex farm and futures prices were generally at similar levels with March at £146.25/t, May at £148.25/t and November at £140/t.
UK protein prices have eased a tad with 48% soya ex Liverpool quoted at £333/t and 34% rape meal ex Kent easier at £192/t.
And finally, for those of you who like looking at figures, as we near the end of the first quarter of the year, here are some price comparisons for you:
Mid-March 2016 Â Â Mid-March 2017
SPP          112.37p         150.18p
7kg Weaner   £29.36/head      £38.50/head
30kg Weaner   £36.54/head      £55.65/head
Cull Sow       54.67p/kg       97.67p/kg
What a difference a year makes!
