Pig meat production falls in July

UK pig meat production fell in July to 80,600 tonnes, 7% (5,800 tonnes) lower than recorded volumes for June. According to the latest data from Defra, this is 4% (3,700 tonnes) lower than July 2021, and the first month this year recording a year-on-year drop in production.

The number of clean pigs slaughtered was 6% (57,700 head) lower than last year at 883,400 head and about 57,800 head (6%) lower than June’s throughput.

Carcase weights were lower again, continuing the general downward trend seen so far this year.  In July, the average weight of clean pig carcases was 88.0kg, 0.5kg less than last month, and 1.7kg heavier than a year ago.

Total production so far this year (Jan-Jul) is 618,700 tonnes, a 4% (22,600 tonnes) increase compared with this point last year. The clean pig kill is 6.55 million head for the seven-month period, level with last year. Therefore, the increase in production seen so far this year is down to heavier carcase weights that resulted from delays in sending to slaughter.

Subscribe to receive pork market news straight to your inbox. Simply complete our online form.

While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.

All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk  © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.