There was no official announced change in Irish pig prices last Friday. However, some producers have reportedly secured an additional 2c/kg, while others are actively seeking similar increases.
The average price being reported by producers currently stands at €2.20/kg. That said, higher prices up to 6–7c/kg above this average are reportedly being offered by some processors across the Republic of Ireland and elsewhere on the island, indicating strong demand in the market.
The EU average price for week 15 for grade E carcass was 200.7c/kg excluding vat. This represents a further 1.1% increase in last week’s average prices, a 9.4% increase on last month’s prices and is -8% behind prices for the same month last year.
Grain prices continue to fall, hitting new lows of €208/t, helped by good weather and better crop yield forecasts in Europe. The €’s strength vs. the US$ is making EU grains less competitive abroad.
Wheat and barley yields are mostly up, which could keep feed prices steady.
In the U.S., corn demand stays strong, and soybeans are holding firm because of steady European buying and possible easing of China trade tensions.
