UK pig meat prices hold

UK pigmeat prices have held at similar levels despite the upcoming “short week” over the May Day holiday ahead.

This reflects similar patterns throughout much of Europe where although the barbeque season has lifted prices in Holland, Germany and Spain, other EU countries saw their prices move downwards.

The latest GB Euro Deadweight Adjusted pig Price of 106.19p has moved up fractionally, but is still well ahead of its 100.5p quote a year ago.

As a result most spot and contract bacon pigs were traded in 109 – 111p range with lighter weights worth a modest 2 – 4p premium above this.

Cull sow values continue to reflect indifferent EU pigmeat prices with UK export abattoirs tendering prices between 66 – 68p/kg deadweight compared with 80p a year ago.

This represents a significant drop in value of almost £20/head for an average cull sow.

Weaner prices remain static due to concern over rising feed prices with the MLC 30kg ex farm unchanged at £34.78/head.

On the feed price front reports of ex farm feed wheat quotes now hitting the £100/tonne level have sent shivers through the industry as a whole and with the forward cereal sellers thin on the ground market sentiment is that feed prices will continue to rise.