With only four full processing weeks to go before Christmas, this week’s Slaughter Marketing Summary from Thames Valley Cambac, reported that the market improved both in demand and pricing.
Most of the majors required their full contract number, and some added Saturday kills to their plan. Prices increased with monthly contract quotes up 2p to 5p, and weekly quotes up 2p to 3p.
Supply just managed to match this improved demand, but anecdotal evidence suggests a tightening is in the pipeline. The fresh meat market continued in buoyant vein, with a lack of import pressure helping to swell order books.
The cull sow market increased in price due to better continental market conditions – most quotes ending the day 4p higher. In Europe, prices romped ahead with Belgium and Germany up 6.5 and 6 euro cents respectively, and many other quotes up strongly. Price quotes in sterling were further enhanced by a stronger euro that ended the week up 0.32p at 85.98p.
The Weaner Marketing Summary, for week commencing November 17, reported that supply continued to outstrip demand, with some batches that were outside contract arrangements struggling to be placed. The prices announced by the AHDB saw no quote given for a 30kg store pig, and the weighted average for a 7kg weaner rise by 38p to £40.86p.