Breakdowns and staff shortages at plants continue to compromise processing capacity, resulting the backlog of slaughter pigs getting larger, according to Thames Valley Cambac.
Frustratingly, there was little change in fundamentals this week, TVC said in its latest market update.
“Some Saturday kills were organised, which will help, but will not address this increasing rollover. Demand was reported to be good from most of the majors with domestic retail and export opportunities all stronger.
“Supply improved with excellent growth being reported widely, and average weights increased again. In the fresh meat market, demand varied dependent on differing lockdown rules – cancelled orders were common in the North West for example.
“The cull sow market was stable, but numbers remained relatively tight. European markets remained depressed and in an oversupply situation, with Germany rolling an estimated 400 thousand pigs.”
Price quotes in sterling were lower due to a weaker Euro that ended the week down 0.25p at 90.91p.
The weaner market continued to struggle with the backlog of slaughter pigs compromising refill schedules. AHDB prices saw a 30kg pig quoted at £56.69, while the weighted average for a 7kg pig fall by 98p to £40.27.
European Prices (p/kg.dwt) w/c 18/10/20 Movement on last week
European Av. 129.86 – 0.46
Belgium 100.36 – 0.27
Denmark 125.83 – 0.35
France 148.70 – 0.74
Germany 115.46 – 0.32
Ireland 146.37 – 0.41
Holland 119.62 – 0.33
Spain 152.65 – 0.79
(Ref Weekly Tribune)