UK pork production eases on last year

Latest production figures from Defra show that the UK produced 85,900 tonnes of pig meat in October. This is 1,200 tonnes (1.4%) up on September figures, however 900 tonnes (1.1%) down on October 2021 production levels.

Clean pig slaughter for October stood at 926,000 head, up 5,400 head (0.6%) on the previous month. Whilst up on September figures, throughputs are 7,200 head (0.8%) down on October 2021. However, year to date throughput has remained static on last year, with 9.3 million head having been processed.

Carcase weights of clean dressed pigs increased for the second month in a row, averaging 89.6kg. This is up 900g (1%) on September weights, however down 1.4kg (1.5%) on October last year. Backlogs on farm which began in late 2021 resulted in increased average weights, which is still apparent with average carcase weights above the 5-year average, up 2.8kg (3.2%). This is despite an easing of weights since the highs of January.

Production for the year to date (Jan-Oct) has reached an estimated 874,000 tonnes, up 23,000 tonnes (2.7%) on the same period last year. Whilst average carcase weights are beginning to ease back when compared to last year, the increased average carcase weights seen earlier in the year will continue to contribute to the overall gain seen in the average.

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.