Pig prices remain unchanged in plants this week and farmers are receiving quotes of €1.40c/kg up to €1.44 or €1.46 – €1.50/kg. The DAFM weekly throughput figure was 74,603 for week ending 20/02/22.
Irish pig farmers costs have increased significantly, feed and energy and labour costs have soared as well as all other input costs. The most recent figures from Teagasc show the average size family farm generating losses of circa €40/pig for a 600-sow unit which is approximately €56,000 per month. This is completely unsustainable. The average size farm is expected based on current figures to have a loss of €450k this year. A 7m support package was announced Tuesday by the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue, equating to a payment of €20,000 per farmer. This payment will cover approximately 2 weeks losses. It is indeed welcomed but pig farmers require additional financial support measures to overcome the financial crisis.
On the European market, pig prices remain stable while Germany and Spain had an increase of 5c/kg last week. Several EU member states have now adopted support measures to help the sector. The temporary state aid framework is being used to address a decline in turnover in some countries.
