There was no change in Irish pig prices as of last Friday, with producers reporting a broad spread of prices across the Republic of Ireland. Those operating under the graded pricing system have reported slightly higher prices for certain pig weight categories, though the average price for pigs processed this week is reported to be between €1.68/kg and €1.72/kg. Pig farmers who are selling their pigs to the North are on higher prices than those quoted above and the same is the case for farmers selling pigs on the grading pricing structure in the South.
The weekly throughput as reported by the department of Agriculture, Food and The Marine for the week ending the 27th September was 70,698 of which 2,138 were sows.
The average price for grade E pig carcasses in week 38 was €1.59 (excluding VAT), reporting a reduction of 2.3% on last week’s average price. It represents a 2% drop in prices since last month, while prices still sit 17.8% behind the same period last year.
According to the latest Agritel report, despite ongoing issues in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, downward pressure on feed prices has led to a fall in feed prices. Wheat and corn led the way last week with minor reductions in price, while this week barley has seen a $3-3.50 drop in price. Oilseed pricing has shown an $11.50 reduction over the last few days.
This price drop however may be short-lived, as estimates for future cereal crops in Europe show a reduction in yield in many spring crops.
