UK pork production drops back during May, but remains higher than a year ago

By Charlie Reeve

During May, UK pig meat production totalled 82,800 tonnes, a decrease of 4,000 tonnes (5%) on the previous month, according to Defra. Despite this month on month decline, production is still up by 12,000 tonnes (17%) on the same month last year.

During the first five months of 2021, pig meat production totalled 431,300 tonnes, an 8% increase on the same period of 2020, up by 30,500 tonnes.

Clean pig slaughter

Clean pig slaughter totalled 915,500 head during May, a decrease of 39,400 head (4%) on the previous month. Clean pig slaughter was up on same month last year, up by 118,600 head.

Clean pig slaughter by country and annual change:

• England and Wales ↑18% to 729,000 head
• Scotland ↓26% to 21,000 head
• Northern Ireland ↑12% to 166,000 head

GB deadweight pig prices have been on an upwards trajectory over the last few months. Reports suggest the supply of finished pigs is tighter at the moment, both here and on the continent, which has been supporting prices.

Carcase weights

Carcase weights for finished pigs dropped by 0.7kg (1%) during May compared to the previous month, totalling 87.1kg. Carcase weights were however still 1.1kg above the same month last year.

Adult pig slaughter

Sow and boar slaughterings totalled 20,200 head during May. Slaughterings were up by 35% (5,200 head) on the same month last year, but just 1% (200 head) on the previous month. Carcase weights for sows and boars averaged 147.4kg during May, the highest levels since January 2021.

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