All processors gave pig farmers an increase of 4c/kg for this week’s pigs leaving quotes at €1.64-€1.66/kg. It is a much needed increase, as some feed compounders have increased pig feed prices by €10-15/tonne from the start of the month, taking away any possible increase in pig farmers’ margins. Looking across Europe, the average pig price is been held back by some countries that have limited market access due to outbreaks of ASF. The average European price of €1.56/kg takes into account the lows of Romania, Belgium and France which are paying farmers below €1.40/kg. To balance this average, Spain continues to lead the way at €1.46/kg live weight (€2.00/kg deadweight). The Irish market conditions are more aligned with the Spanish situation, with no issues with market access for export and a strong domestic market. Retail demand is offsetting the decline in foodservice channels and the outlook is positive with further pig price increases expected in the coming weeks.
Ireland’s percentage of the EU price has improved and is currently 101% of the EU average price as reported to the EU Commission for the week commencing 3/4/2021.
Factory pig throughput in Republic of Ireland export plants for the week ending 11th March 2021 was 59,322 head which was 8,850 more than the previous week and 3,498 less than in the corresponding week in 2020.
Export Plants
Top prices on a flat rate basis </= €1.62/kg-€1.67/kg in Rosderra and Kepak </= €1.64/kg-€1.68/kg in Staunton’s, >/= €1.66/kg-€1.68/kg in Dawn Pork & Bacon and </=€1.66/kg – €1.70/kg in Karro (Cookstown).
Sows
€0.87-€1.00/kg DW.
Weekly Slaughtering’s Week-ending 11/4/21
Pigs: 57,557
Sows: 1,765
EU-27 Pigmeat Reference Price Wk Commencing 3/4/21
Irish price: €1.59kg
EU–27 average price: €1.57kg
(Grade E pigs – 55% to 60% lean meat excluding VAT but including transport and bonuses).
