Pig market: 03/09/2018

Prices reported to IFA

Comment

Many pig farmers had realistically expected at least a 4c/kg price rise last Friday, but felt further disappointment when no change was once again reiterated around the main pig processors. Coupled with this was the announcement by the main feed compounders of pig feed price increases taking effect on 1 September, adding between 4c/kg and 8c/kg on the cost of production. At this stage, the crisis is having a real effect through the industry, with no non-essential work taking place, reduced inseminations and a marked increase in the culling rate of sows recorded by the Department every week. IFA pigs chair said: “It is only a price rise that will save many pig farmers from going out of business and that’s where the IFA will focus on immediately. Time for talk is running short and money is what is required now.”