Finished pigs turn a profit with prices stable at 210p/kg

Pig producers have returned to a more profitable position in the past 12 months after a challenging few years for the sector.

The EU-spec standard pig price recently went back above 210p/kg deadweight, leaving an average margin for producers of about 15p/kg above the latest cost of production estimates.

Prices have remained fairly flat since the beginning of the year, with many processors continuing to stand week after week, and traders say demand in the UK appears to be improving.

See also: China dispute with EU creates turbulent time for pork trade

Matthew Banks, livestock marketing specialist at Meadow Quality, said larger processors were asking if more pigs were available. “European prices along with UK prices have generally been stable,” he said.

Pig prices in the UK remain at a premium, with a 30p/kg price differential over Europe.

Global pigmeat production is forecast to fall by 0.9% during 2024, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

China is expected to account for much of this fall, with its total sow inventory declining by almost 7% year on year. Despite this, China is continuing its anti-dumping investigation into EU pork imports.

Biosecurity funding

The Scottish pig sector will benefit from almost £440,000 in funding from the Scottish government to prevent diseases and improve biosecurity on farm.

Scottish agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said: “Improving biosecurity as a result of this project will also help prevent the introduction of other pig diseases, such as African swine fever, which is currently spreading across Europe.”

Andy McGowan, director of Wholesome Pigs, who will oversee the project, welcomed the investment into veterinary testing, data sharing and co-ordination systems.