Pig prices firm before Christmas

Spot and contract prices have remained firm as the last full trading week before the Christmas holiday approaches.

The GB Euro Deadweight Adjusted Pig Price rose marginally to 101.85p for supplies week commencing 12 December and spot values have fully maintained recent levels.

But average EU pigmeat values for the “Big Six” producer countries last week of 90.47p/kg are 4.3% down on the same week last year.

UK prices have not reflected this trend, with the current DAPP 1% higher than a year ago.

With UK pig traders reporting supply and demand almost exactly in balance in the run up to Christmas, there is no significant backlog of pigs to undercut the market in the New Year.

Cull sow values have also held at recent levels, with base prices in the 76–78p/kg range, but well down on spring prices, which touched 90p/kg. 

Another negative is the continuing rise in the strength of the pound against the euro.

The currency opened on Monday (Dec 12) worth 67.4p which represents a drop of 2.32% compared with a year ago.

Weaner quotes have remained at “stand on” levels with the Meat and Livestock Commission 30kg average virtually static at £33.53/head ex farm.