Pig kill slumped in holiday week

IRISH pig prices (VAT exclusive) were at 91% of the EU average for pigs killed in the week ending August 10, but may have slipped since then, because prices have increased in Denmark and Belgium.

The factory kill here slumped to 38,591 in the bank holiday week, 10,206 less than the previous week, and 4,267 less than the same week in 2007.

Export plants generally quote at 168 cent to 172 cent per kg, plus the welfare bonus of 2c to 6c.