Pig market: 11/12/2017

Prices reported to IFA

Comment: No change in pig prices this week, as all main processors held the recently reduced quotes at similar levels to last week. Reports from pig farmers around the country indicated quotes from a low of €1.48 to €1.52c/kg from the main export plants. Some of the smaller processors are paying above these quotes to their suppliers. Last week’s kill of 75,679 was the highest number of pigs processed in 2017. The high throughput can be attributed to improved productivity on farms combined with a slight increase in sow numbers. With Irish pig farmers producing ham and pork to the highest standards and complying with the Bord Bia quality assurance scheme, it is unacceptable to see some retailers offering discounted imported hams to the Irish consumer. Tom Hogan called on all retailers to support locally produced Bord Bia quality assured Irish produce this Christmas.