Pig market: 03/04/2017

Prices reported to IFA

Comment: Chair of the IFA pigs committee Tom Hogan said the Irish pig price remained relatively stable once again this week. After a number of weeks of rising prices and movement of pigs between processors, quotes are now settled in the range of €1.66/kg to €1.70c/kg. Reports from pig farmers around the country indicate that processors quoting at the lower end are willing to pay up to €1.70c/kg to maintain a supply of pigs. A few deals up to €1.72c/kg were reported as being paid for spot loads and lighter pigs. After a number of weeks of the Irish pig price well ahead of the EU price, positive movement has been seen in all EU markets, with the EU pig price lifting in recent weeks. Recent rises have seen major pig producers Germany lift above the Irish price and it augurs well for future price increases over the coming weeks.