Pig market summary

Pig prices reported to IFA

Week-commencing 24/03/08

Glanbia 1.36c/kg - 1.40c/kg

Dawn 1.42c/kg - 1.46c/kg

Pork Sltrs. 1.42c/kg - 1.46c/kg

Comment: IFA Pigs Committee Chairman Michael Maguire said the failure of Rosderra and the other processors to increase prices this week, was unacceptable. Ireland last week was at 91% of the EU average and with another week of unmoved prices this gap could increase. Wholesale prices for pigmeat have increased every month this year and retail prices have also increased while the pig farmer's price has barely moved, even though the price of feed continues to rise month after month.

The processors need to return the benefits of this rising market to pig producers this week and every week from now on.