Weak EU market adds to pig mens woes

By Peter Crichton

TO add to producers problems, there are signs of a weakening in the EU pig market at a time when prices normally increase.

This week the GB AESA slipped 6p to stand at 101.79/kg and spot quotes have also had a negative feel.

Live market prices have dropped back to 79p/kg and marketers are hoping that the shortage of live pigs held up in the swine fever crisis will put a bottom into the market.

Export and import sources quote that the Euro, at 60.5p, is not doing the industry any favours and the AEX Dutch futures market has also dropped back by 6-8p/kg.

Prices for September are 79p down to 73p for December, due to falling consumption and rising supply.

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