13th April 2002

By Peter Bolger

Despite prices on the move across Europe after the short weeks of Easter, there is no change here from processors. Prices are steady at 130 to 131 c/kg but there is serious pressure on factories to improve the situation immediately. Many producers say it would be intolerable to have to wait until after the May bank holiday for an increase.

The North is very active in the South at the moment and is aggressively looking for pigs as far away as Limerick. It is reported they are offering 138 to 140 c/kg net with allowances for tagging and transport. This is placing considerable pressure on processors here to secure supplies and there is no doubt, in cases, they are matching these prices.

Northern prices are unchanged from last week with the average price for pigs at 138 to 140 c/kg, with up to 145 c/kg available. Sows are €25 to €26/cwt. In Britain prices improved by 1p to 2p/kg. Spot prices are now at 175 cent to 178 cent/kg for pork, 157 to 167 cent/kg for bacon and cull sows remain unchanged at 74 c/kg to 92 c/kg. The contract price has also improved, signalling confidence, with Adams paying up to 164 c/kg.