There was no change in Irish pig prices last Friday, with producers reporting returns of around €1.94–€1.98/kg in the Republic, while higher prices were achieved in the North. This marks a total drop of 32c/kg since July. At the IFA National Pig Farmer meeting on Monday, 29th September, there was a strong sense of eroding confidence among farmers, as recent sharp price declines continue to put significant pressure on the sector.
The average price for grade E carcasses in week 38 stood at 194.7/kg (excluding VAT), which is -1.9% behind the previous week and is -3.2% behind prices last month. This is also -4.7% lower than the same period last year.
The throughput reported by the Department of agriculture food and the marine for week ending the 28th of September was 64,683, of which 2,007 were sows.
On the grain market front, In Europe, wheat hit new contract lows on Euronext and corn slipped back toward February levels, pressured by larger U.S. stock estimates and expectations of a record Argentine corn harvest. Soybeans also weakened, with November 2025 contracts dropping. While this downturn points to lower feed costs, uncertainty could grow as the U.S. government shutdown delays key USDA reports.
