There was no official increase in pig prices quoted for this week, but it is obvious talking to farmers that the trade has moved on again, and it is clearly a sellers’ market.

Quotes range from €1.66c/kg up to €1.70/c/kg but prices in excess of €1.72/kg have been paid. Farmers receiving prices on the lower range of these quotes can be assured they are being short changed by their processor and should be demanding a significant increase.

IFA pig committee chair Tom Hogan said €1.70c/kg is an achievable minimum price for all pigs heading into next week, and he called on processors to lift quotes to at least this level. All indications point towards a continued strong pigmeat market, on both the domestic and export fronts, for the coming months. Strong demand and extremely low levels of product in stock indicate a continued rise in Irish pig prices.