This week’s Pig Marketing Summary, from Thames Valley Cambac, reported trade could only be described as lacklustre this week with poor demand being widely reported. Some of the majors cut kills again citing lack of retail sales, with consumers seemingly keener on strawberries than pork chops.
Some also took the opportunity to conduct enhanced maintenance in preparation for any upturn in fortunes. Supply was tight however, and ample for this reduced kill. Price contributions stood on, but contracts moved upwards, helped by the increase in SPP which at 150.86p was the highest since the end of 2017.
The fresh meat market was a touch quieter, but did not suffer the same malaise as the big boys – possibly a lack of exposure to the large retailers helps.
Prices were similar to a penny stronger. The cull sow market stood on again pricewise. The European market was very similar with the exception of Belgium, which fell nearly six euro cents on the back of its reduced exporting ability due to ASF. Price quotes in sterling were enhanced however, by a stronger Euro that ended the week up 0.05p at 89.70p.
The Weaner Marketing Summary, for week commencing June 30, reported that demand continued to struggle with fatteners either reluctant or unable to take any supplies over and above their contract commitment.
Supplies were more plentiful than of late, indicating the general improvement in performance. The prices announced by the AHDB saw the weighted average for a 30kg store pig quoted at £51.06 and the weighted average for a 7kg weaner rise by £1.18p to £37.66p.