Pig prices fall again as staffing crisis takes a toll
27th August 2021
GB finished pig prices fell again in the latest week, with weaker EU prices and staffing difficulties at processors adding downward pressure to domestic prices.
In the week ending 21st August, the EU-spec SPP fell to 159.25p/kg, a decline of 0.97p. This puts the measure 3.47p below the same week last year, according to the AHDB.
Estimated throughput declined 2.1% (3,400 head) on the previous week, standing at 160,000 head. Slaughter levels remain far below those seen last year – 16% (30,000 head) lower than the same week in 2020.
The average carcase weight remained virtually unchanged on the week at 87.21kg, and 1.45kg heavier than the same point last year.
AHDB says lower throughput and heavier carcase weights lend support to reports of pigs backing up on some farms, with staffing complications at some processing plants reducing throughput.
The week ending 14th August also saw the EU-spec APP drop back, losing 0.56p to stand at 164.80p/kg. This puts the series 1.47p below the corresponding week last year. The gap between the SPP and APP widened marginally to 4.58p.
There was insufficient data to produce a price for either 7kg or 30kg weaners this week.
