Archive Article: 1997/04/18

18 April 1997

Looking on at Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, last week. There, pork-weight pigs, averaging 89.5p/kg, were worth about 3p/kg and 7p/kg more than cutters and baconers, respectively – and that hasnt been the case since Christmas. But the premium for lighter animals was less evident at nearby Wickham early this week (Apr 14). Trade overall has improved recently, according to auctioneer Peter Wilderspin. But among the stores, lighter weaners are meeting a slower demand. "Farmers are conscious that they will be ready for sale towards the end of the summer, when the trade is traditionally weak," said Mr Wilderspin.