October 14, 2010

Irish farmers to revamp pig production

Ireland's pig farmers are to focus on quality measures to reduce feed costs and maximise the slaughtered stock price.

Michael Martin, head of the Teagasc pig development units, said, "Pig feed prices have increased by about EUR37 (US$52.11) per tonne since June 2010. This equates to a EUR0.14 (US$0.20) increase in feed cost per kilogramme carcass weight."

"Unfortunately, pig prices have decreased by EUR0.07 (US$0.10) per kilogramme carcass weight since August 2010. Consequently, the margin over feed costs has shrunk to what is, for many producers, an unsustainable EUR0.43 (US$0.61) per kilogramme carcass weight," he added.

Both carcass condemnations and the sale of pigs outside of the required weight range reduce the payment to producers.