Pig prices in Ireland have remained relatively steady this week and look set to remain unchanged over the festive period, according to the Irish Farmers Association (IFA).
“While the national kill was over 71,000 last week, demand remains strong from all export plants,” said IFA’s National Pigs Committee Chairman, Tom Hogan.
“While 2016 has seen pig prices turn the corner and head back into positive territory, the trend needs to continue for 2017 for pig framers to recoup losses made over the past 18 months.”
Mr Hogan also issued a timely retail message this week, urging consumers to support locally produced Bord Bia quality assured ham, bacon and pork for Christmas.
Ireland’s percentage of the EU price is currently 100% of the EU average price as reported to the EU Commission for the week commencing 5th December.
Factory pig throughput in Republic of Ireland export plants for the week ending Dec 17, 2016, was 69,371 head which was 3,837 more than in the corresponding week in 2015. Slaughterings in ROI export plants is running 4% ahead of the same period in 2015.