There was no change in Irish pig prices on Friday last, 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 remains between €1.74/kg and €1.78/kg. Some producers, however, continue to achieve higher returns from northern factories. Meanwhile, cull sow prices have risen this week, which is a positive development, alongside further increases in pig prices observed across the EU.
The weekly throughput as reported by the department of agriculture food and the marine for week ending the 15th of March is 70,453 of which 2,012 were sows.
The average price for grade E pig carcasses in week 10 was €1.57/kg (excluding VAT), which is up (+2.3%) on last the previous weeks average price but on the previous week, however when compared to the previous month prices are up 6% higher and sit -14% below the same period last year.
With the geopolitical tensions ongoing, there is uncertainty with input prices and feed although there has been no real change in global feed stocks. On the back of this, fertiliser prices have increased and perhaps more farmers will utilise the organic manures as a valuable alternative to try and keep costs down.
