The downturn in GB pig prices isn't stopping

Pork

The EU-spec SPP fell was 152.04 p/kg in the week ended 2 December, reporting a decrease by 1.2p on the week. Compared to the corresponding period in 2016, the current quote is only 0.65p higher and it is the smallest premium since the series surpassed year-earlier levels at the start of August 2016, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

Posted on Dec 12 ,16:52

Annie Linekar, AHDB Trainee Analyst, says estimated slaughtering declined to 174 thousand head in the week ended 2 December, down by 8% on the week and 9% on the year.

Furthermore, for the third consecutive week, average carcase weights fell to 83.18 kg, down by 470g. "Even so, the average weight remains 80g heavier than year-earlier levels, contributing to reportedly buoyed supply," says Annie Linekar.

Both weaner price categories declined in the week ended 2 December, offsetting the marginal increases recorded in the previous week. The price for 30kg weaners decreased by £3.15 week on week to £52.92/head; 20p lower than the same period last year. This is the first time since July 2016 that this price series has dropped below year-earlier levels. The price for 7kg weaners fell a more modest £1.09 on the week to £40.16, £2.68 higher year on year.