September 13, 2010

UK pig prices continue to fall

Deadweight UK pig prices have fallen for the tenth consecutive week, dropping by 0.3p/kg in the week to September 4, to average 142.58p/kg.

That is a decline of more than 3% since the peak in values at the end of June, when the seasonal fall in demand and increased availability of finished pigs began to take effect. Prices are now 8p/kg-or 5%-below the same time last year.

The average weight of pigs in the DAPP sample increased again on the week, to 79.5kg, while the probe measurement dropped marginally to 11.2mm, according to reports. Average weaner prices also eased, dropping from GBP47.39 a head last week, to GBP46.42-about 11% below the same time last year.

Estimated clean pig slaughtering in Great Britain totalled 155,000 heads in the week to August 28-3% higher than the corresponding period a year ago. Slaughtering in August were 2% up on the year, at 600,000 heads.

Volume sales of pork increased by 7%, year-on-year, in the month to August 8, according to analysts. However, a 5% fall in retail prices offset this, putting total expenditure up 2%, to GBP61 million.