26 January 2008 -- The expression "a pig of a mess" is a reasonable description for the UK pig industry at the moment.

Most industry commentators are warning that it is on the brink of collapse.

Just last week two leading pig producers went out of business - DRS Pigs and MCB Sow Company.

Together, the companies have over 6000 sows with 50,000 progeny, and 90 contract producers/finishers. Industry analysts estimate the companies' production, around 120,000 piglets a year, represents 2% of the industry.

As one industry commentator said: "it's not that long ago that there were 800,000 sows, then the number dropped to 400,000 and it seems likely that it will halve again.

"I think it will and I think we'll end up getting our pork supplies from Holland."

In an effort to stem the collapse of the industry the Meat Trades Journal is to launch a campaign to save the British pig industry.

Meanwhile the British Pig Executive launched a £1.5m advertising campaign which will call on retailers and others in the chain to raise the price of pork to allow farmers to make a living and re-invest in their operations.

Commentators have estimated that UK pig farmers are losing about £20 or more on every pig slaughtered. Some estimates suggest the sector is losing £6 a second or £3.6m a week. Needless to say that this is not what you'd call sustainable agriculture.

Ironically while retail prices have risen in recent months, from £4.85/kg to £5.32/kg, there has been no more money getting back to farmers with the daily average pig price (DAPP) remaining static at about £1.10/kg.

At the moment it is not clear where the benefit of those price rises has gone.

But it seems realistic that it could be the supermarkets which are keeping the lion's share as is the case in the beef and lamb trades.