Pig farmers to focus on reducing costs and increasing stock prices

PIG farmers are to focus on measures to reduce feed costs and maximise slaughtered stock price.

The Teagasc National Pig Conferences will take place next Tuesday in the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Thurles, Co Tipperary, and Wednesday in the Cavan Crystal Hotel, Cavan, from 2pm.

Michael Martin, head of the Teagasc pig development units, said: “Pig feed prices have increased by about €37 per tonne since June 2010. This equates to a 14c increase in feed cost per kg carcass weight.

“Unfortunately, pig prices have decreased by 7c per kg carcass weight since August 2010,” said Mr Martin.

“Consequently, the margin over feed costs has shrunk to what is, for many producers, an unsustainable 43c per kg carcass weight.”

Speakers will address how producers can reduce costs, notably feed costs, while still commanding the best possible price for pigs slaughtered.

They will suggest sources of low cost high quality pig feed ingredients, how to minimise losses at and after farrowing, plus other short term cost-cutting measures.

Both carcass condemnations and the sale of pigs outside of the required weight range reduce the payment to producers. Steps to minimise these losses will be outlined.

The guest speaker is Derek Armstrong, veterinary programme manager with the British Pig Executive.

He will present a paper on the challenges facing producers in relation to pig health and welfare and food safety.