BPEX has published a new weaner price series for the first time. Replacing the old “spot price” approach, the new figures record the actual prices paid for all weaners traded in the previous week.
The new series has been tested over the past few months and is typically slightly higher than the old series and somewhat more volatile. This is because it better reflects differences in the mix of pigs sold in any given week, including those attracting a price premium.
For the first time, a price for 7kg weaners will be published alongside the new 30kg weaner price.
For week ended November, the 30kg weaner price on the new basis was £55.93 per head. This was a bit under £2 higher than the price for the previous week based on the old method.
However, it was only a few pence higher than the previous week’s price on the new basis, reflecting the ongoing stability of the weaner market that has been apparent since July.
The 7kg weaner price for the same week was £42.60 per head, 25p below the price for the previous week, but somewhat higher than prices for earlier weeks.