With one full week’s processing left after this, there is no festive spirit out there whatsoever, and little chance of any improvement in the industry’s dire situation, according to Thames Valley Cambac.
In its latest market update, TVC described last week as ‘a poor week all round, with many factory issues and inadequate allocations combining to paint a very bleak picture’.
“Conditions on farm are deteriorating and space is critical in many cases. Processors seem unable to conjure up more staff and there is little evidence of the much vaunted 800 temporary butchers appearing this side of Christmas,” TVC said.
“The Private aid to storage scheme has had little or no uptake and the last resort of on farm welfare slaughter is becoming a stronger reality with every day. Pricing remained under pressure adding to financial woes as feed prices took another hike.”
The cull sow market remained compromised by the tough export market, but prices stood on for the limited numbers marketed. European markets were similar pricewise but prices in sterling were enhanced by a stronger Euro that ended the week up 0.43p at 85.05p.
The weaner market remains badly disrupted by the backlog in the slaughter market, with many units now overstocked. There was insufficient data for AHDB to issue any prices.
European Prices (p/kg.dwt) w/c 05/12/21 Movement on last week
Tribune Spot Bacon 142.53 – 0.78
SPP 143.56 -0.75
European Av. 106.14 + 0.53
Belgium 82.84 + 0.42
Denmark 96.10 + 0.48
France 127.23 + 0.81
Germany 102.06 + 0.52
Ireland 124.17 + 0.62
Holland 98.15 + 0.50
Spain 112.69 + 0.57
Ref Weekly Tribune