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 74,909 for week ending 30/01/21.
Irish pig farmers are enduring extremely difficult conditions at present and are haemorrhaging money with every pig sold. Margins have been forced into negative territory over the past several months by external factors; high feed price, pig price, ASF, energy costs, labour and the list goes on. Pressure is being applied politically for support for the sector which supports thousands of rural jobs.
On the European market, pig prices are steady this week. The Dutch price has seen a slight increase. Market conditions which ultimately are outside the control of the farm gate operations are having a prolonged negative impact on farmers. State aid intervention measures for the sector are being called for.
