There was no change in Irish pig prices on Friday last, with producers reporting an average price of €2.14 and upwards available from processors in ROI while others are reporting prices significantly higher than this available on the island – signalling that there is a strong demand for pigs. There were also rises across the EU market including an increase in German pig prices of 13c/kg.
The EU average price for week 12 for grade E carcass was 184.6c/kg excluding vat. This represents a 0.6% increase in last week’s average prices, but 2% up on last month’s prices and is -15% behind prices for the same month last year.
The throughput for week ending March 30th was 69,009, of which 2,091 were sows.
US Wheat Acreage Down – The USDA estimates US wheat plantings for 2025 at 18.4Mha, down 2% from 2024, the second lowest since 1919. Spring wheat acreage is down 6%, while winter wheat saw a slight decline.
Meanwhile, maize plantings are up 5% as farmers shift away from soybeans due to price ratios. More maize could pressure global feed grain prices, while lower wheat area might support milling wheat premiums. However, rising wheat yields could offset acreage declines, limiting any price boost. Weather conditions and the USDA’s April 7 crop report will be key to watch. The expanding maize area could help keep feed costs in check, but wheat price movements will depend on crop conditions and global markets.
