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. Pig farmers who are selling their pigs to the North are on higher prices than that 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 week ending the 19th of April is 67,535 of which 2,014 were sows. The average price for grade E pig carcasses in week 15 was €1.67/kg (excluding VAT), reporting no significant change compared with last week’s average price, when compared to the previous month prices have risen 2.9% however prices still sit 17.1% below the same period last year.
According to reports from Europe and the UK, cull sow prices have seen a reduction of close to 10c/kg, this reduction has not yet been seen in Irish prices but should be closely monitored. Markets for oil and feed remain uncertain with geopolitical tensions remaining high in the Middle East. Some mills have also introduced surcharges for feed deliveries due to rising fuel costs.
In summary, uncertainty from the Middle East is creating many obstacles for pigmeat producers, surrounding feed, fuel and factory prices. Over the coming weeks, close management of production costs will be essential.
