As a result spot bacon quotes in the 136–138p range were available representing an increase of 4–6p compared with last week.

Squeak prices also moved ahead but still lagging behind spot quotes (in reverse order) with Vion at 134.5p, Cranswick at 135p, Tulip at 136p and Woodheads who are still leading the field holding at 139p.

With reports of soaring sheep meat prices as well as European Union pigmeat imports rising by another 3p this week, the stage is set for further price rises in the immediate future.

A further improvement in the value of the euro from 86.45p to 87.4p will also put up the price of imports helping the United Kingdom pig industry across the board.

The cull sow market continues to reflect the increasing value of the euro as well as dwindling numbers and quotes moved up yet again by 2–4p with switched on sellers able to negotiate prices of up to 103p/kg deadweight delivered or 98–100p/kg on an ex-farm basis.

The weaner market is predicted to harden but still remains overshadowed by recent sharp rises in feed wheat quotes, which have now put feed wheat prices back to where they were a few weeks ago much to the disappointment of those producers looking to get some cheaper feed cover.