GB pig prices drop back further
In the week ending 28 November, the EU-spec SPP dropped back by 1.87p to average 152.02p/kg. This now puts prices 7.52p below this time last year.
Estimated throughput is down on the previous week by 5,100 head to total 173,000 head. This is another very low throughput for the time of year, over 10,000 head below the 5-year average and 17,500 head less than last year. However, as we mentioned last week, it is possible that our slaughter estimates are on the low side at the moment, if slaughter of processor-owned pigs is being prioritised.
Issues at processing plants as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic are still believed to be influencing slaughter levels. There continue to be reports of a backlog as the number of pigs able to come forward outweighs processing capacity.
Carcase weights have remained high, averaging 88.06kg, up 380g on the previous week and 3.5kg on the previous year.
By Charlie Reeve
AHDB
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