There is, once again, little optimism to report this week as the pig industry’s problems deepen, according to Thames Valley Cambac (TVC).
“A major breakdown added to the woes with pigs rolled down and out of the week,” TVC said in its latest weekly market update. “Processor allocations were inadequate and many pigs remained unmoved.”
Weekly contract contributions eased a penny. The SPP fell 2.31p to 156.39, its largest weekly fall since January 2016, and the sample size dipped below 70,000 head at 68,149. The fresh meat market continued to be challenged by cheap imports, and while true porkers and cutters were in short supply, prices eased by 1p to 2p.
The cull sow market stood on pricewise, bolstered by a welcome stability in the German market. Volumes remained high, reflecting the current rend in herd contractions.
European markets saw the Netherlands fall 4 eurocents bringing it closer in line to its near neighbours, while Spain fell by the same amount as it faced reduced export demand. Price quotes in sterling were curtailed further by a weaker Euro that ended the week down 0.58p at 85.26p.
There are now severe restrictions on weaner movements caused by the backlog in slaughtering, with many yards still full and now out of sequence with refill plans, TVC added. AHDB issued a quote for a 7kg weaner at £37.68 but there was no quote for a 30kg store pig.
European Prices (p/kg.dwt) w/c 12/09/21 Movement on last week
GB SPP 156.39 – 2.31
Tribune Spot Bacon 154.77 – 1.00
European Av. 113.99 – 2.67
Belgium 88.59 – 0.60
Denmark 99.67 – 0.68
France 136.59 – 1.78
Germany 106.58 – 0.72
Ireland 131.30 – 0.08
Holland 102.57 – 4.13
Spain 132.83 – 3.14
(Ref Weekly Tribune)