The monthly average DAPP stood at 152.24p per kg in June, the fourth consecutive month that there has been a price rise although it was still only four per cent higher than in June last year. However, in recent weeks the upward trend has come to an end with prices edging back. The DAPP stood at 151.90 p per kg dw in the week ended 23 July, six pence more than the corresponding week of last year, whereas the cost of production averaged 161 pence in July. Ample supplies of pig meat and some small easing back in demand have contributed to this price fall.

The premium for the UK pig reference price compared with the EU average has remained at about 10 pence per kg dw in recent weeks. This is somewhat less than the premium of over 16 pence a year earlier.

Carcase weights in the DAPP sample have edged up in recent weeks and in the week ended 25 July averaged 78.25 kg up 1kg above the low point of mid-June and also similar to a year earlier.

The 30kg GB weaner price increased slightly over the month, averaging £45.83 per head in July, partly reflecting an easing of cereal prices. However, this price was still over £6 less than that seen in July 2010, a situation not helped by the ongoing difficult situation of finishers.

The GB export specification sow price has increased 6 pence in the last month to average 101.3 p per kg dw in the week ended 30 July. The situation has been helped by an edging up in sow prices on the continent. Compared with a year earlier the GB sow price at the end of the month was up 6 pence on a year earlier.

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