Average weaner prices in the EU have been on an upward trend since the beginnng of November, rising from round €29/head to €34/head by the end of the year.
“At this time of year, we do normally see prices rising in anticipation of improved finished pig prices in the spring,” commented AHDB senior analyst for red meat, Bethan Wilkins, noting that up to this point, weaner prices had been under pressure for much of the latter part of 2021 due to weak and falling finished pig prices.
Despite the increase at the end of 2021, weaner prices in late December are still more than €10 lower than the five-year average, and the gap was not significantly narrowing.
Ms Wilkins said, however, that with both weaner and finished pig prices rising in the run-up to Christmas, the situation is showing signs of general improvement.
Prices in most major Member States have reflected the overall trend and increased across the past couple of months. Latest weaner prices (week ended 2 January) were:
- Denmark: €43.57/head
- Spain: €33.08/head
- Germany: €27.80/head
- Netherlands: €15.50/head
Ms Wilkins added: “Prices in Spain, Germany and the Netherlands showed much stronger growth, with prices reaching the highest levels since the summer. Danish prices fared much better earlier in the year though, and so remain much higher than those elsewhere.”
