September 19, 2007

High prices hurting New Zealand's pig farmers

Pig producers in New Zealand, like their counterparts in Australia, are feeling the pain from high grain prices.

Feed accounts for about 70 percent of the pork production price in New Zealand and prices have been soaring for barley and corn.

To worsen the situation, supermarkets are not increasing offer prices despite the higher feed costs, Colin Kay, Pork Industry Board spokesman said.

The board expects feed prices to rise further.