Pig factories are holding firm on quotes, with €2/kg remaining elusive to most pig farmers. Quotes range from a low of €1.94c/kg but most farmers report receiving between €1.96-1.98c/kg.
IFA Pigs Chairman Tom Hogan said pig prices have taken a significant increase on European markets and that returns for processors have never been as good. Regarding the outlook for pig production, the story remains all about China and the massive pork deficit that is going to influence pigmeat across the world into 2020 and beyond. This deficit is being caused by African Swine Fever (ASF) in China and neighbouring Asian countries. Hogan called on increased awareness and vigilance, especially at Ireland airports. ASF positives continue to be reported in wild boar across eastern Europe. Worryingly case of ASF in wild boar was reported in Poland last week within 100k of the German border.