Flat demand means flat pig prices

By Peter Crichton

IN spite of the fall in slaughter numbers there are no signs of any shortage in supply to move prices upwards at a time of year when demand normally starts to improve.

The latest GB AESA slipped a touch this week to 101.61p/kg, and marketers feel that prices are unlikely to improve significantly in the run-up to Christmas.

Live market and spot quotes have also been dull over the past, with most weights traded in the 100p-108p bracket, according to weight.

The latest AEX Dutch futures quotes point to a similar flat trade in Europe, with forward prices slipping from 73p in October to 71p for January.

At the same time, EU census results are flagging up increases in herd sizes across Europe which will put further product on to a currently weak market.

Meat traders also point to the continuing weakness of the Euro at around 61p as a major problem which is keeping imports cheap and exports dear.

• Peter Crichton is a Suffolk-based pig farmer offering independent valuation and consultancy services to the UK pig industry