Pig prices poised to breach 120p barrier

 The average European Union pig price is continuing to rise in response to seasonal influences and is within reach of last year's level.
The average European Union pig price is continuing to rise in response to seasonal influences and is within reach of last year's level.

Average Pig Price is up 1.34p and at 119.05 is going to break the 120p barrier in the next week.

German prices have just risen significantly too, even though the euro is weaker.

The average European Union pig price is continuing to rise in response to seasonal influences and is within reach of last year's level.

Although this is an encouraging trend, most continental producers are still operating in the red and significant contraction of the European Union breeding herd is essential in the second half of the year, if British producers are to enjoy improved returns in 2017.

Russia may be poised to send a list of conditions to Brussels, for easing its phytosanitary embargo on European Union pigmeat products.

If this quid pro quo approach is successful it could mean a resumption of exports of cheaper pigmeat products, such as fats, which are covered by Moscow's African swine fever ban, but are not by its broader geopolitical embargo.