The pig backlog grows ever larger, as last week saw no sign of the staffing shortages hitting processors easing, with most affected to some degree, according to Thames Valley Cambac (TVC).
“Job vacancies number in their hundreds and some businesses are actively seeking staff from abroad,” TVC said in its latest weekly update.
“The upshot was lower kills and the backlog growing ever larger. Farms are at capacity, and average weights continue to increase. The worry is that there is no indication of improvement any time soon.”
Contract prices eased again, with a near penny fall in the SPP and 1p reverses in weekly contract contributions. The fresh meat market was steadier than of late and prices generally eased a penny.
To add to the problems, the cull sow market has been severely affected by the downturn in the continental market – volumes were limited and prices fell 8p.
European markets saw Holland lose 6 eurocents bringing it more into line with its neighbour Germany, and there were smaller falls in Ireland and Spain. Price quotes in sterling were eroded further by a weaker Euro that ended the week down 0.05p at 85.70p.
Weaner demand was mediocre with little interest outside contract commitments. There were no quoted prices issued by AHDB.
European Prices (p/kg.dwt) w/c 29/08/21 Movement on last week
GB SPP 159.25 – 0.97
Tribune Spot Bacon 156.74 – 1.20
European Av. 118.78 – 0.41
Belgium 96.76 – 0.05
Denmark 102.50 – 0.06
France 138.32 – 0.08
Germany 111.41 – 0.07
Ireland 138.84 – 1.79
Holland 106.53 – 5.12
Spain 136.87 – 1.19
(Ref Weekly Tribune)