Pig price tumble stalls

DOWNWARD PRESSURE on the UK pigmeat market has eased following news of more stable prices in the EU.

European average prices have fallen from 97p/kg in mid-March to 90p for the week commencing 11 April.

The GB Euro Deadweight Adjusted Pig Price (DAPP) has risen from 103.55p/kg to its latest quote of 105.83p/kg over the same period.

But 12 months ago, the DAPP stood higher at 109.03p/kg, and the difference represents a loss to UK producers of almost £3/pig.

Market sentiment has also been hit by reports of reduced levels of pork consumption in some EU countries and poorer demand for manufacturing pigmeat from Eastern European countries and Russia.

Reflecting the European situation, most UK traders were quoting prices at “stand on” levels for supplies the week commencing the 11 April.

Spot bacon was traded in the 108–111p/kg range with cutters worth 4–6p/kg more than this.

The relative weakness of the euro, which opened on 11 April at 68.5, has also adversely affected the value of UK pigmeat imports/exports.

Cull sow prices also moved down sharply and export abattoirs are quoting prices in the 73–77p/kg range. 

This represents a drop of an estimated 15p/kg (£25/sow) over the past three week period.

Weaner prices have also levelled out, with the Meat and Livestock Commission 30kg quote of £34.97/head unlikely to improve further as the summer approaches.