UK pig slaughterings and pork production remain well ahead of last year, according to Defra’s latest UK slaughter statistics.
UK clean pig slaughterings in October were up 8.9% on October 2023 at 966,000 head, with pigmeat production, at 90,000 tonnes, 9.2% up year on year, reflecting higher carcase weights.
The average number of clean pigs killed per week during October, at 218,000 head, was also 9% higher than the September average of 200,000 head, partly reflecting seasonal trends.
UK pig slaughterings have been ahead of 2023 levels for a while now – the September monthly figure of 855,000 head was 5.2% higher year-on-year.
UK sow and boar slaughterings were up 3% year on year at 20,000 in October, which compared with 18,000 in September 2024.
AHDB’s estimated GB slaughterings show throughput in November continuing to trend well above year-earlier levels. The figure for the week ended November 9 was 6,000 up on the previous week to 178,020 head, more than 8,000 up on last year, and 3,000 ahead of 2022 throughputs. As always, these estimates remain subject to revision.