Pig prices carry on down

Declining EU pigmeat values have hit UK producer prices at a time of year when they normally rise.

The EU mainland average producer pig price has fallen 7p since late June to 91p/kg.

It is being tracked down by the GB Euro Deadweight Adjusted Pig Price, which has hit 104.5p/kg, compared with 106.4p three months ago.

Better growth rates with the return to cooler weather have also put extra supplies onto the European market where retail demand is described as lacklustre.

But the rate of decline in EU pig prices is reported to be levelling out with signs of better demand in Germany and Denmark on the horizon.

UK spot bacon prices for supplies week commencing 19th September are quoted in the 103–105p/kg range.

Lighter weight pigs traded in the 106–110p/kg range, but had to compete with low priced beef and lamb, which are also on offer in the high street.

The cull sow market continues to reflect indifferent EU demand with most export abattoirs quoting in the 72–76p/kg range according to specification.

The value of the euro remains almost unchanged, opening on September 19 at 67.4p.

And at £34.84/head ex-farm, the Meat and Livestock Commission’s 30kg weaner average is well ahead of a year ago, when it stood at £30.23.

The MLC’s latest pig slaughtering figures for the UK indicate that the recent decline in the size of the UK herd may also have levelled out.

The July 2005 average weekly kill of 166,800 pigs compares with 168,200 in July 2004.