The growth in UK pigmeat production appears to be slowing, according to output figures for September, as reported by AHDB Pork.
Although production increased year-on-year by 1% last month, to 70,200 tonnes, this was the “slowest growth rate” recorded since the start of 2014.
“The total number of clean pigs slaughtered in the UK also recorded only a minimal increase of 1% year on year, to 828,600 head,” said AHDB Pork, adding that the small annual growth in slaughterings in September was also noticeable in other parts of the UK.
“England and Wales recorded a minimal increase of 0.5% while Scotland’s clean pig slaughterings were almost the same as a year previously.”
The only exception was Northern Ireland where slaughterings in September were up by 3% on last year.
The September figures for sow and boar slaughterings, meanwhile, showed an 8% increase compared to the same point in 2014, at 20,300 head.
“This is the fourth consecutive month that culling figures have been above the levels seen last year,” said AHDB Pork.