Little respite for the SPP

In the week ending 7 November, the EU-spec SPP continued to fall to average 155.34p/kg, down 0.80p on the previous week and now 2.60p lower than the same week in 2019.

Estimated slaughter increased slightly to 174,300 head, 3,500 higher than the previous week. However, estimated slaughter is still significantly lower than at this time last year, by around 18,200 head. This is again likely because of COVID-19 limiting available staff numbers at some processors.

The sharpest weekly price declines, of over a penny, were recorded for carcases between 60.0-69.9kg and 105kg and over. Nonetheless, price drops were seen across all but the lightest weight band. Heavy pigs did not affect the SPP sample particularly significantly, despite widespread reports of rolled animals. Numbers of carcases in the 105kg and over weight band increased by only 320 head to 2,321 head. It may be that carcase weights have risen across the board. The average SPP carcase weight, having breached the 87kg barrier for the first time last week, increased further to 87.64kg. This is 450g heavier than last week and 2.84kg heavier than in the same week last year.

The EU-spec APP averaged 160.53p/kg for the week ending 31 October, down 0.72p on the previous week. The current gap between the APP and SPP narrowed slightly to 4.39p.

It was not possible to publish a 30kg weaner prices for the week ending 31 October. The average price of 7kg weaners decreased week-on-week by 57p to £39.40/head.

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