Irish pig farmers were disappointed that prices remained static at 142-144c/kg last week, IFA’s Pat O’ Pat O’Flaherty has said.

According to IFA’s National Pigs Committee Chairman, farmers had been expecting a much needed increase in price last week, but some are hoping that prices will increase this week.

The IFA representative continued to say that tightening supplies and decreased carcass weights are putting upward pressure on the market and this must result in a price rise for farmers this week.

O’Flaherty said that Irish prices have remained static despite continued strengthening in the EU market.

German prices increased by 4c/kg, Denmark pig farmers were paid an extra 4c/kg and Spanish prices jumped by 6c/kg.Pig prices ifa

Pig Price And Supplies

Figures from Bord Bia show that Irish E grade pigs made between 142-144c/kg during the week ending May 6, while supplies stood at 53,000 head.

This is down more than 10,000 on the same week last year. However, despite the lower weekly kill, the cumulative supplies to date are up 6% or over 61,000 head.

This has been driven principally by higher supplies of finished pigs which are up 6%, while supplies of sows and boars are down by 5%.

Key Pig Markets

According to Bord Bia, the British trade is experiencing some upward momentum, with prices rising on the back of stronger demand due to the recent bank holiday weekend.

The French trade also seen prices rise, it reports, due to the stronger activity caused by the shorter weeks.

However, the throughput of Dutch pigs have eased to around 242,000 head and prices are currently in the region of €1.30/kg.

 

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Source: Bord Bia