Pig producers still operating at loss despite price rises

Despite the rises, AHDB says feed prices continue to make profitability 'near impossible for many'
Despite the rises, AHDB says feed prices continue to make profitability 'near impossible for many'

Pig prices continue to increase at a healthy rate, although high input prices mean most farmers are still producing at a loss, the AHDB has said.

Despite some recent price stability in European markets, and even a little softness, GB pig prices continue to rise.

In the week ending 15 May, the EU-spec SPP rose by 1.76p, to average 150.51p per kg.

This brings the measure to within 14p of where it was a year ago, and more than 4p above the five-year average.

However, AHDB said that feed prices continued to make profitability 'near impossible for many'.

Duncan Wyatt, AHDB lead analyst said: "Carcase weights averaged 86.76kg, 240g lighter than the previous week, but still 1.85kg heavier than this time last year.

"Estimated throughput totalled 192,500 head, up 3,600 head week-on-week," he explained.

"Reports suggest abattoirs are struggling with labour availability, although this does not yet appear to bring problems moving pigs."

In the week ending 8 May, the EU-spec APP averaged 152.20p/kg, up by 1.62p on the price in the previous week.

The gap between the SPP and the APP widened to 3.45p.