Farmer Focus: Feed costs set to pressure pig prices

The cereal feed price looks set to fall, as harvest is well under way here, writes Andrew McCrea.

One grower told me that his harvest had started on 10 July and was finished by 25 July – normally just when it is starting. The weather has been very favourable so far and I hope it continues until all is safely gathered in.

Cheaper feed costs will no doubt put pressure on pig prices. However, I remember when cereal prices went through the roof two years ago, pig prices did not follow suit and it took what seemed like an eternity for pork prices to rise to sustainable levels.

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Let’s hope the market rules, with demand remaining strong for the rest of 2014. I am sure I am not the only pig producer with a list the length of my arm detailing all the maintenance and refurbishments needed.

I finally got approval for my wood pellet boiler under the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme. So, with my first claim made, I am waiting patiently for payment – and for the first time ever I’m seeing my heat production costs reducing.

We are making preparations again for another Tractor Run on Saturday 23 August in memory of our son Oliver-James. All proceeds are being donated to an African Orphanage and Child Rescue Centre, where a local family have been working tirelessly for the past five years.

All are very welcome to join us to hear about the tremendous need in eastern Kenya. Please come along and, if you can, bring your tractor. ​

Andrew McCrea farms a 740-sow birth-to-bacon business and 150 beef cattle on 37ha. Andrew is a Dard Focus Farmer and was 2010 Farmers Weekly Pig Farmer of the Year.