A survey by the National Pig Association has revealed the UK pig heard is shrinking. The NPA, which has been campaigning about unsustainable pig prices said that UK production could contract by ten per cent by the end of the year unless prices improve.

In addition to low returns, feed prices have risen dramatically. In July, when a number of cereals recorded record highs on world grain markets, feed wheat and soy costs rose 25 per cent.

Across Europe, where producers are often more reliant on imported protein, this led to producers sending pigs for slaughter earlier, meaning further reductions to returns, according to NPA, which believes untenable conditions in the pig sector led to the increase in pigs for slaughter between June and July.

In July 27,000 pigs were sent to slaughter in England and Wales, 7,000 more than the previous month. NPA predicted a further rise in August, which is backed up by early indications from The AHDB.

Recent figures form the European Commission show that meat consumption is down across the continent and production is expected to contact further as diets change. Poultry is the only area unaffected by the contraction, as Commission analysts suggested chicken in particular has benefitted from a ‘healthy’ public image.

As part of its ‘Save Our Bacon’ campaign, the NPA is urging pig farmers to contact their MPs and outline the pressures they are facing as a result of rising feed prices and other input costs.

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