This week’s Pig Marketing Summary from Thames Valley Cambac reported that trading for week including New Year was curtailed by the Bank Holiday. Processor demand was fairly well pre planned again, and there was a feeling that they were just refilling the supply lines after the festive break rather than any true demand. Supply was not plentiful however, with some producers reluctant to change working patterns on a short week.
With no SPP announcement from the AHDB, contract prices stood on as processors used the last available quote. The fresh meat market was in a similar state, resupplying shops and wholesalers depleted by the Christmas sales. Cull sow trade picked up, with healthier volumes, but prices stood on. European markets were fairly stable, with France the only country whose prices dipped.
Prices were enhanced slightly in sterling terms however, as the euro strengthened to end the week up 0.06p at 90.27p – level not seen since September 2017.
The Weaner Marketing Summary for week comecnign December 23, reported that movements were limited to contracted pigs only, and were very dependant on weighbridge availability. There were no prices announced by the AHDB.