Reduced pig numbers across the UK is helping strengthen the price in sharp change on the year.

Twelve months ago, farmers were battling with the fallout from a backlog of pigs caused by cuts to processing capacity after covid outbreaks shut plants. Evidence for this can be seen in the average weights for the SPP sample currently sitting at 88.37kg, against 94.12kg for the same week last year.

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According to English pig marketing co-operative, Thames Valley Cambac, the SPP is at a record high up 60.69p on the year ago and is set to rise over the coming weeks, with one buyer putting 10p into their contribution for this week.

Sows also continue increase from an average of 17p/kg last year to 86p/kg gaining 69p/kg over the year, rising a further 1p this week.

The impact of numbers tightening versus demand over the last few weeks is a situation which has been a long time coming but is now showing signs prices rises are in the pipeline.

The sow herd census showed a serious decline in the UK sow herd to 343,000 – a fall of 14% to the end of June, 2022. Thames Valley Cambac said: “We feel that this could erode further towards 320,000, having tracked the herds exiting by the December 22 round up, and we’re still seeing herds join the list.

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"The weaner marketing summary for the week commencing January 8, 2023 saw weaner and store markets show more positive signs of interest as overall numbers tighten, interest levels have increased notably – however most are still transferred currently through contract agreements.

"Prices paid for some will becoming further under the spotlight as businesses continue looking hard at returns.” Thames Valley Cambac also had enquiries from European buyers who said supplies were tight – something that has not seen for some time.