Another challenging week as pork plant capacity remains under pressure

Last week proved to be another challenging one with kill capacities still below the norm, and little opportunity to process the typical throughputs for this time of year, according to Thames Valley Cambac.

“This meant that the slaughter pig backlog increased again, with serious space issues now being reported from some producers. Added to this is that pigs are growing exceptionally well at the moment and average weights remained at near record levels. Contract price contributions fell further, and there was no spot trade.” TVC said in its latest market update.

The fresh meat market was equally quiet with minimal interest from many, while the cull sow market stood on, although some processing was curtailed due to staffing issues.

European markets continued to fall, with Spain losing a further 5 eurocents, and France and the Netherland 3.However, price quotes in sterling were enhanced slightly by the small improvement in the Euro, up 0.05p at 89.44p.

Weaner space continued to be an issue with the backlog of slaughter pigs affecting many fatteners and some weaner producers now having to make secondary plans.

AHDB prices saw the weighted average for a 30kg store pig quoted at £52.88, while there was no quote for a 7kg weaner.

European Prices (p/kg.dwt) w/c 29/11/20    Movement on last week

European Av.               115.63                         – 1.29

Belgium                      82.47                           + 0.05

Denmark                     111.76                         + 0.06

France                        130.76                         – 2.70

Germany                     106.44                         + 0.06

Ireland                         141.50                         + 1.15

Holland                        105.81                         – 3.16

Spain                           130.76                         – 5.01

Ref Weekly Tribune