'Difficult to see how pig farmers will cope over the festive period'

Last week was blighted by numerous factory breakdowns leading to many pigs being rolled or cancelled into this current trading week, reports pig marketing group Thames Valley Cambac.

"The frustration is that it is difficult to make up this lost time before the Christmas shut-down."

Pig supply continued to be at the top side of expectations with healthy weights to boot, says TVC.

"With 18 slaughter days left before Christmas, it is difficult to see how some farms will manage to reduce their weights sufficiently to cope over the festive period."

The major processors continued to take good pre-planned numbers but there was very little scope for any extras. Spot trade demand was minimal with odd bids around the 120p mark.

The fresh meat market remained very quiet with little optimism for any improvement soon.

Cull sow prices were similar, helped by the stability in the exchange rate and continental trade.

In Europe, Germany stood-on but it's near neighbours trended lower in reaction to recent price movements.