More English pigs gets sold in auctions
The number of English pigs sold through auction markets had kept rising last year, as shown in figures from the Livestock Auctioneers Association.
Over 44,000 store and breeding pigs were sold at auction in England and Wales during 2010, up from 39,000 in 2009 and 34,000 in 2008. The number of slaughter stock rose to 113,000 compared with 110,000 in 2009 and 97,000 in 2008.
LAA executive secretary Chris Dodds was encouraged by the upward trend. "Numbers have been increasing year on year. It confirms the benefit that buyers have of being able to select before they buy. Numbers and prices are up which shows that market forces prevail," Dodds said.
Auctioneers reported strong demand for liveweight pigs from retailers and wholesalers, with prices of up to 135p/kg liveweight.
"Markets are clearly providing pig producers with a viable and effective alternative way of selling, giving them flexibility, transparency and a true market price for their stock," Dodds said.