Conditions on farm, both physically, and increasingly mentally are deteriorating, as the pig backlog continues to grow, according to Thames Valley Cambac.
Last week saw further processor issues, as breakdowns, staffing levels poor demand, conspired to reduce pig allocations offered, resulting in a further increase in the backlog, TVC said in its latest market update.
“The resilience of producers and farm staff is being tested to the extreme, and there are little signs of imminent improvement,” it said.
The SPP fell to 139p, its lowest level since April 2019, and the SPP weight was another record at 95.42 kgs. Demand was ‘dismal’ for all classes of stock, and cheap import pressure was a feature of many fresh meat conversations, the report added.
The sow market remained under pressure with exporters experiencing a torrid trade. European markets saw major downturns in Holland (-7.5c) and Germany (-3c), while the Euro was little changed, up 0.12p at 83.63p.
“The weaner market continues to suffer from the slaughter backlog, with unit turnaround badly compromised. The upshot is that weaners are unable to move and must be retained until we concoct a new plan,” TVC added.
There was insufficient data for the AHDB to calculate any weaner or store pig prices.
European Prices (p/kg.dwt) w/c 23/01/22 Movement on last week
GB SPP 139.00 – 1.10
Tribune Spot Bacon 139.10 – 0.75
European Av. 102.20 – 1.77
Belgium 81.46 – 2.05
Denmark 88.73 – 2.21
France 125.28 + 0.35
Germany 100.36 – 2.35
Ireland 118.76 + 0.18
Holland 90.24 – 6.13
Spain 110.81 + 0.16
(Ref Weekly Tribune)