Irish pig prices are steady this week in the range of 156c/kg to 160c/kg, supported by strong retail demand on the home market, plus ongoing exports to the UK and Asian markets including China.

Meanwhile, government officials in Germany are examining how they would operate a possible cull of finished pigs.

The overhang on the German market is approaching 1m pigs. Weekly kill there is normally some 800,000 head. No decision has yet been made.

The overhang has resulted from occurrence of African swine fever cases in wild boars, which was followed by immediate bans on German pigmeat by China, Japan and other important Asian markets. Adding to difficulties, some slaughter plants are not working at full capacity because of COVID-19 cases among staff.

Farm unions suggest that if a cull is introduced, carcases should go for rendering and be removed from the food chain.