Despite this however, one major processor opted to cut back on pig numbers by 10 per cent, spilling additional baconweight pigs onto a weakish spot market and prices will have eased a further penny or so as a result.

Contract prices will also have eased in line with the reduction in the DAPP, but remain at very acceptable levels. At least our recent advice to take the opportunity to lock into fair contract terms is paying dividends.

Smaller processors fared a little better with sales and here trade generally stood on again. A pleasing result considering the barbecue summer we were promised has been washed away.

Long term forecasting is always a combination of knowledge, luck and guessing of course. Not too many weeks ago producers were advised to book forward feed cover as prices looked reasonable.

Now, because of the weather, there are signs that much of the higher quality milling wheats may end up into the feed market, increasing the availability of feed wheat and forward prices have fallen considerably, contrary to forecasts.

One arable farmer reckoned his straw might end up making as much per acre as his wheat! The former remains in very short supply and the quality so far, is quite poor again. It never rains but it pours, so they say. Umbrella anyone?