Pig market summary : week commencing 04/09/06

Pig prices reported to IFA

Glanbia 1.52c/kg - 1.56c/kg

Dawn 1.52c/kg - 1.56c/kg

Pork Sltrs 1.52c/kg - 1.56c/kg

Comment : IFA Pigs Chairman said Irish prices remain unchanged this week with an extra 2c/kg being claimed by some producers. Pig slaughters were up ~1800 head on the same week in 2005. UK pork exports to EU countries rose by 22% in May, with exports to Germany doubling early this year. Increased demand from Western Europe has led exporters to increase their production capacity to meet this market.

The Irish price is currently at 91% of the EU average which is unacceptable. Irish producers are entitled to the EU average price given the current market climate, the pig leader concluded.