Irish pig prices increased by 20c/kg this week with farmers receiving quotes of €1.60c/kg up to €1.64 or €1.66 – €1.70/kg. This is the first upward price movement Irish pig farmers have received since mid-2021 while their input costs have increased to unprecedented levels.
This month is no different in the context of increased inputs. Farmers have received notification from feed mills of an increase of circa €40/tonne for pig feed from the 1st of April. This increase almost entirely consumes the increase in the pig price which was confirmed on Friday last as quoted above. However, the price increase of 20c/kg is essential at this point and is very welcome for farmers and for the sector. Farmers protested outside Agricultural House last week to highlight the need for government intervention also, to secure the survival of the sector and family farms which have incurred unsustainable losses from Sept 2021 to date.
The European Market is continuing to improve with pigmeat prices moving upward however some member states prices have slowed in terms of increases in the past week. The average European price circa €1.80c/kg – with some Member States almost at €2.00/kg, (France, Germany, Spain).
