Wedoany.com Report-Feb 21, The 2025 Irish Pig Health Society (IPHS) Symposium is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, at the Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare. Industry experts will gather to discuss emerging topics in pig farming during the event.
This year’s theme, ‘Pigs, People and Pathogens: Mastering Farrowing, Animal Health and Workforce Management’, highlights key focuses of the symposium. The IPHS has outlined a program centered on addressing critical challenges and sharing effective practices within the sector.
Jessica Wright, the newly elected IPHS president, stated: “Based on the success of last year’s symposium, we’re delighted to be returning to the Curragh for this year’s edition.” She continued: “We’ve secured a fantastic line-up of experts from our sector, in addition to an experienced panel of Irish pig producers, all of whom will present practical solutions to the challenges and opportunities farmers face when it comes to health, welfare and productivity.”
The symposium will commence with an industry trade session at the Curragh Racecourse Exhibition Hall at 3:00 p.m. on April 8. Delegates arriving will be offered refreshments. Speakers throughout the day will focus on actionable approaches to tackle ongoing issues related to health, welfare, and productivity in pig farming. After the formal sessions conclude, a dinner will provide attendees with a chance to network, according to the organizers.
In 2024, the Irish pig sector saw primary pigmeat exports increase in value by an estimated 7%, reaching €490 million, as reported by Bord Bia. This growth was driven by a 7% rise in export volumes, totaling around 200,000 tonnes, alongside a modest uptick in unit prices. Despite a softening of market prices in the last quarter of 2024, Irish E grade pig prices averaged €2.11 per kilogram deadweight (excluding VAT) for the year, consistently surpassing the EU average in the second half of 2024. Steady domestic demand and competition for Irish pig supplies likely contributed to this trend.
Exports to the UK market grew by 11%, reaching €150 million, with Great Britain contributing €90 million and Northern Ireland €60 million. Trade with EU countries rose by 20% to €110 million, with stable exports to Germany at €25 million and Denmark at €20 million, while exports to Poland surged to €30 million. Meanwhile, international markets beyond the EU and UK saw reduced importance in 2024. Trade with China decreased as the country bolstered its domestic pigmeat production following recovery from African Swine Fever outbreaks. The symposium will provide a platform to explore these developments and their implications for the industry.
