Live shipping lifts pig prices

By James Campbell

Shipments of live pigs to Britain for processing have helped lift prices in Northern Ireland by 4 pence/kg.

The price rise was offered by Malton Foods this week and by Stevensons and Grants last week.

Between 1000 and 1500 pigs are being shipped weekly to Britain following an initiative led by Kilkeel pig breeder Trevor Shields.

On enquiry by the Journal Trevor Shields said that live shipping was a last resort after all attempts to persuade the local processors had failed to achieve any narrowing of the price differential between NI and GB.

Prior to the recent rise that price gap was £7 to £8 per pig.

Trevor Shields says it was particularly sad that Malton Foods representatives had maintained the line that Northern Ireland pigs were of poorer quality than the pigs for which Malton are paying higher prices in Britain. According to Trevor Shields, the group currently shipping pigs are being told that the quality is excellent.

The pigs for shipping have to be from herds free of Aujeszky's Disease. It is understood that more than one processor in Britain is buying these Northern Ireland pigs.

Journal sources indicate that local processors have been `phoning around seeking pigs from farmers in recent days and some special deals are being offered. It appears that the 4 pence/kg rise won't be enough to stop the live shipping.

Trevor Shields says that the price lift is badly needed by all pig farmers in Northern Ireland. UFU Pigs Committee chairman Charlie Pogue agrees. He is appalled that eight months on from the announcement of an aid package for the pig industry, nothing has materialised. Charlie Pogue is especially concerned that producers who have decided to stick with the business and who could qualify for the "ongoers" part of the aid package will have to wait until after the pig "outgoers" aid is allocated.

He believes that could mean it will be many months, maybe more than a year, before aid is paid to people who badly need financial help.