Pig prices start to climb as EU market improves
Stagnant GB pig prices have held at about 211p/kg since the beginning of 2024, however uplifts in EU prices and increased domestic demand could help to provide some support moving forward.
The EU-spec standard pig price improved marginally during early June to 211.4p/kg, while the all pig price increased by almost 2p/kg at the end of May, making its largest weekly increase for almost five months.
Finished pig prices are still back from the highs of 2023, however, currently remain above 2022 levels and well above the five-year average.
See also: GB pig prices: edge up as slaughter numbers slip
Pig industry marketing group Scotlean reported that pig numbers have been meeting the required demand, although some processors would have taken more if pigs were available.
Demand at retail has been suppressed so far this year but is likely to improve with processors reportedly looking to increase volumes and buyers actively seeking more pigs, as consumer demand for summer pork products picks up.
Supplies are also tighter with GB estimated slaughtering still trending below both 2022 and 2023 levels and throughputs remaining at 150,000 pigs a week.
Charlie Reeve | Farmers Weekly
Read full article Share on twitter