Pig Numbers and Weights Drop as a Result of Weather

Irish pig prices remain unchanged for yet another week with pig farmers taking from €1.38c/kg up to €1.42c/kg. Numbers offered have tightened significantly in recent weeks, and the average carcass weight has also dropped by a significant amount, as a result of the prolonged hot weather.

Feed intakes have taken a hit, especially in the fattening sheds across the country as pig farmers work night and day to ensure adequate ventilation and freshwater supply is maintained at all times.

As uncertainty around the future feed market increases with increases in energy feedstuffs being somewhat offset by reductions in protein commodities, the overall sentiment remains that feed for the 2018/2019 pig season will be significantly higher than it has been. A potential increase of €30/tonne in pig feed price equates to roughly a 12c/kg factory pig price lift to cover this extra cost. With pig markets not looking very giving, pig farmers face a difficult time ahead.

Ireland’s percentage of the EU price has improved and is currently 97% of the EU average price as reported to the EU Commission for the week commencing 25/06/2018.

Factory pig throughput in Republic of Ireland export plants for the week ending June 30th 2018 was 65,362 head which was 2478 head more than the previous week and 2820 more than in the corresponding week in 2017.

Export Plants: Top prices on a flat rate basis </= €1.40c/kg in Kepak, Rosderra, and Staunton’s and </= €1.42/ €1.44c/kg in Dawn Pork and Bacon and Cookstown.

Sows: 60c/kg DW.

Weekly Slaughterings: Week-ending 30/06/2018 Pigs: 65,362 Sows: 1,537

EU-27 PIGMEAT REFERENCE PRICE WK COMMENCING 26/06/18

Irish price €1.41kg

EU–27 average price €1.45kg

(Grade E pigs – 55% to 60% lean meat excluding VAT but including transport and bonuses).