April 19, 2022

UK pork output higher in March 2022

Data from the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs showed the country's pork production was 101,600 tonnes in March 2022, 5% higher year-on-year and 14% up compared to February 2022, the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) reported.

Between January to March this year, the UK produced 276,000 tonnes of pork, 6% higher compared to the same period in 2021.

1.06 million head of clean swine were slaughtered in March 2022, the same as in March 2021. This means the higher output was due to heavier carcase weights.

Average swine weight in the UK was 92.5kg in March 2022, 1.4kg lighter compared to month before but 4kg heavier compared to March 2021.

The AHDB said there are reports that suggest some local farms are facing backlogs.

2.85 million clean pigs have been killed in UK abattoirs in the year to date, 1% up compared to the same period last year. The data also shows there is a drop in breeding sows, and in the second half of the year the number of clean swine available for slaughter is projected to be materially lower year-on-year.

-      UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board