The latest EU Deadweight Adjusted Pig Price (DAPP) has eased marginally to 108.46p, but UK spot bacon prices have fallen sharply.

Pig traders are reporting a major backlog of unsold spot pigs arising from the movement restrictions imposed after the 3rd August and 12th September FMD outbreaks.

Unless processors can handle larger numbers, there are no signs that the current backlog will be reduced putting further downward pressure on prices.

The meat export ban is also damaging the finished pig market as abattoirs can no longer export the “fifth quarter” for which there is little demand on the home market.