Stable prices amid shrinking sector

GB PIG PRICES for the week commencing July 19 reflected a relatively stable market with spot baconers quoted at 103-105p/kg and cutter weights at 107-112p/kg.

Some contract base prices eased slightly due to the reduction of the GB Euro DAPP, to 107.48p, but contract prices are generally 2-4p ahead of the spot market.

Cull sow quotes continue to harden due to a firm German market, with GB export abattoirs quoting a 2004 high of 75-77p/kg.

At the same time GB sow slaughterings have dropped by 8.9% over the previous year.

Weaner prices remain the weakest sector with the Meat and Livestock Commission‘s 30kg average static at £33.50 ex-farm due to fewer buyers in the spot market.

Any further falls in feed prices may help to stimulate demand for weaners as the autumn approaches.

Throughout the industry however there are fears that the viability of the GB pig sector will continue to be challenged if throughput continues to decline.

Further abattoir mergers and closures will lead to less competition in an already shrinking home market dominated by imports.