Ireland's pig farming industry shows signs of recovery: slaughter increased by 6.4%, prices stabilise

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After a sharp decline in pig numbers in 2022 due to the consequences of the war in Ukraine, Ireland's pig farming industry is gradually emerging from the crisis. In the first half of 2025, pig slaughter volumes increased by 6.4% compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Teagasc agricultural research institute.

Another positive sign was the 25% increase in live exports to Northern Ireland, to 18,383 head. At the same time, pork exports as a whole increased by 8%, mainly due to increased shipments to Northern Ireland and Poland.

Pig prices in Ireland have also changed: while in January 2025 the average price was €2.09 per kg, in June it peaked at €2.26. Prices fell slightly in July but remain stable. Teagasc experts predict that Irish and European pork prices will remain relatively stable until the end of the year. This is due to limited supply of pigs and high prices for alternative sources of protein for consumers.

After a difficult period from August 2021 to March 2023, when Irish pig farmers suffered losses averaging €522,000 per farm, the industry returned to profitability in 2023–2024. This positive trend continues in 2025. The situation on the feed ingredient market is also favourable — good harvests are expected in the northern hemisphere, particularly in the United States, which could lead to lower feed prices.

Overall, Irish pig farming is recovering steadily, and all the conditions are in place for further growth in profitability and strengthening of its position in the European market.


PigUA.info based on materials from pigprogress.net

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