Pig throughput rises to 65,770

The average price for grade E carcasses in week 36 stood at €199.9/kg (excluding Vat), which is 0.2% behind the previous week and 1.4% behind prices last month.

There was no change to Irish pig prices on Friday last following the previous Friday’s 4c/kg drop, with producers reporting an average price of circa €2.02-2.04/kg for pigs sold.

The average price for grade E carcasses in week 36 stood at €199.9/kg (excluding Vat), which is 0.2% behind the previous week and 1.4% behind prices last month. This is also 2.3% lower than the same period last year.

Factory pig throughput for the week ending September 14 was 65,771 head, which was 3,473 more than last week and 3,311 more than in the corresponding week in 2024.

European wheat and corn are holding at €190/t and €185/t, but big global supplies and strong crops in the southern hemisphere are keeping prices in check.

Floods in Pakistan may spark extra wheat demand, while EU exports remain pressured by a strong euro, though possible Russian export taxes could help.

In the US, huge corn and soybean crops are expected, but some dryness may trim yields. 

Harvest is just starting, and exports of wheat, corn, and soybeans are all running stronger than forecast. 

Markets are watching US-China talks closely, especially for soybeans, and the USDA reported a large new corn sale.