UK Pigmeat report for 2009
In the National Pig Association’s latest Traffic Lights report on market prospects, industry consultant Peter Crichton reported that the decrease in the size of the UK pig herd, coupled with conception rate problems last summer, are already hitting slaughter pig availability.
In addition, the gaining strength of the euro has effectively pushed up the cost of pigmeat imports and lifted the UK pig base price back to levels at which producers can hope to make a reasonable return in the year ahead, he says.
“Although a number of the smaller fresh meat wholesalers commented that retail demand had not been particularly strong, some of the larger bacon abattoirs looking to re-fill supermarket shelves are also upping their kill numbers putting more pressure on dwindling supplies,” says Crichton.
Join 18,000+ subscribers
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated about all the need-to-know content in the pigsector, three times a week.
