Falling numbers of pigs heading for slaughter has seen production dip 2.5%, leading to optimism on the pig price across the UK. However, the market is still 5.5% down on prices 12 months ago, sitting at £1.37/kg for the average GB pig price.

“Prices have edged forward as the number of pigs reaching UK abattoirs has dipped well below last year’s levels,” said Stuart Ashworth, QMS director of economics services.

Pig census

The results of the UK December agricultural census suggest that supplies of prime pigs will continue to be lower than last year’s levels for the medium-term, as 1.5% fewer fattening pigs were recorded in the UK. The census also reported a marginal decline in the number of breeding sows in the UK.

According to Mr Ashworth, this decline in pig numbers is repeated across the European Union, where the European Commission reports the pig herd to be at its lowest level for two years; although Spain, with the largest pig herd in the EU, does show continued growth.

Prices have also started to rise seasonally across Europe as a whole, but, like the UK, European prices are still 3%-4% lower than a year ago.