Pig buyers paying premium

SOME PIG BUYERS are paying an extra 1-2p/kg this week (w/e Oct 1), with cutters worth 102-106p/kg and bacon prices nudging the 100p/kg mark.

Cull sow quotes continue to reflect both a shortage of supply and the relative strength of the Euro, with exporters offering between 85p and 88p/kg deadweight.

Group weaner prices remain static with most traded in the £31-£34/head range.

On a 10-week growth cycle weaners purchased today will hit the finished pig market in mid-December, when abattoir prices normally dip.

This explains why some buyers remain cautious in the market despite the benefit of cheaper feed.