SPP rises but slaughter down and weights still high
4th Mar 2021 / By Alistair Driver
The GB EU-spec SPP increased for the first week since mid-July last week, rising by 0.33p to average 138.79p/kg.
However, the price index remains 23.88p below a year ago and 2.78p below the 5-year average.
But it was a mixed picture as, after an encouraging increase in the week ended February 20, estimated slaughter dropped back significantly during the week ended February 27, down 12,000 head (7%) to total 176,100 head. This puts it 5,000 below the 5-year average, although up marginally on the year (200 head).
There were fewer pigs in every weight band, particularly the heaviest. Not only did fewer heavy pigs come forward, but also pigs in that weight band actually increased in price by 1.34p/kg, supporting the higher SPP overall, AHDB's weekly report noted.
Carcase weights averaged 90.28kg, virtually unchanged on the week, but still significantly up on the year, 4.45kg heavier when compared the same week in 2020, and 5.63kg above the 5-year average.
The GB EU-spec APP stood at 142.20p/kg for the week ending February 20, down 0.91p from the previous week. It is now down 22.56p compared to the same last year, and 2.93p below the 5-year average.
The 7kg weaner price stood at £34.42/head, down on the year by a notable £7.78/head. Unfortunately, there was insufficient data available to produce a 30kg weaner price this week.
To see the weekly price graphs, click here