November UK clear pig slaughterings have been down 3.5% on November 2023 at 879,000 head, with pigmeat manufacturing 3.9% decrease at 82,000 tonnes, 3.9%, Defra’s newest UK slaughter statistics.
The weekly common, which supplies a extra correct comparability, confirmed the November 2024 determine of 205,000 head/week was 3.3% down 12 months on 12 months.
However extra strikingly the November weekly common was 6% down on October the October determine of 218,000 head/week). Nonetheless, the validity of those October slaughter figures, which have been 9% up year-on-year and appeared out of step with market actuality, has been questioned.
Breaking the full November UK determine down by area confirmed 691,000 clear pigs have been slaughtered in England and Wales, 6% down on October, 20,000 in Scotland and 168,000 in Northern Eire, 20% on October.
Defra’s UK figures mirror AHDB’s estimated GB slaughterings for November, which have been beneath year-earlier ranges for the ultimate three weeks of the month.
There was a noticeable spike in estimated GB slaughterings through the week ended December 7, as Christmas week rapproached. The determine of 181,795 head was 18,000 up on the week and 15,700 head above the identical week final 12 months, though it remained 25,000 beneath the 2022 determine.
The Defra UK figures additionally confirmed a giant fall in sow and boar slaughterings to 17,000 in November, 19% down, each 12 months on 12 months and compared to October.
