Upward pressure on pig prices

By Peter Crichton

THE current shortage of pigs and the slightly stronger Euro put more upward pressure on spot markets on Friday (07 July).

Baconers traded in the 103p-106p range and auction prices were moving up, with all weights averaging 80p/kg, equivalent to 108p/kg deadweight.

The GB Euro Spec price is now lagging behind spot quotes at 100.4p/kg, but is expected to bounce back in two weeks time.

Euro pig prices also remain firm with supplies on the tight side.

Dutch quotes are now 88p/kg for a 85kg carcass and French and Danish prices are between 84-86p/kg, with Germany leading the way at 96p.

The AEX Dutch futures market is also holding up well for the time of year due to tight physical supplies and all trades are between 84p and 87p.

Weaner prices are, firm with the Farmers Weekly average ex-farm 30kg price quoted at 33.65, and 7kg pigs traded in the 19.50-23.50 area.

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