Pig market: 17/04/2017

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. Quotes from processors remain settled in the range of €1.66/kg to €1.70c/kg, with the majority of deals being done at the upper end of this range. Reports from pig farmers around the country indicate that processors are not willing to lose pigs over a few cents and procurement managers are willing to pay above the lower quotes to secure supplies. A few deals up to €1.72c/kg were reported as being paid for spot loads and lighter pigs. Positive movement has been seen in all EU markets, with the EU pig price lifting significantly in the past week. With all main export markets and the domestic market remaining positive over the Easter holiday period, there is justifiable optimism for increases in the Irish pig prices in the coming weeks.