Play all audios:
THE NUMBER OF PIGS SOLD THROUGH AUCTION MARKETS CONTINUED TO INCREASE LAST YEAR, FIGURES FROM THE LIVESTOCK AUCTIONEERS ASSOCIATION SHOW. Over 44,000 store and breeding pigs were sold at
auction in England and Wales during 2010, up from 39,000 in 2009 and 34,000 in 2008. The number of slaughter stock rose to 113,000 compared with 110,000 in 2009 and 97,000 in 2008. LAA
executive secretary Chris Dodds was encouraged by the upward trend. “Numbers have been increasing year on year. It confirms the benefit that buyers have of being able to select before they
buy. Numbers and prices are up which shows that market forces prevail.” Auctioneers reported strong demand for liveweight pigs from retailers and wholesalers, with prices of up to 135p/kg
liveweight. “Markets are clearly providing pig producers with a viable and effective alternative way of selling, giving them flexibility, transparency and a true market price for their
stock,” Mr Dodds said.