Pig Newsletter - December 2024
Type Newsletter
Teagasc Pig Newsletter - December 2024
In this Issue
Annual Review & Outlook 2025
Michael McKeon provides a comprehensive overview of the year’s performance and a forecast for 2025. Feed costs decreased by 14% in 2024 but remain 12% higher than pre-Ukraine war levels. Pig prices averaged 220 c/kg in 2024, slightly below 2023 levels but still above the five-year average.
Antimicrobial Use – Still a Concern
Laura Boyle addresses the ongoing global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Irish veterinary antibiotic sales declined by 25% between 2018 and 2023, yet significant challenges persist in balancing cost-driven production with improved animal welfare standards.
The Story of Your Christmas Ham
Ciarán Carroll offers insights into the journey behind producing the perfect Christmas ham. Irish pig farms focus on healthy breeds, optimal nutrition, and high welfare standards to deliver premium-quality pork. Consumers are encouraged to look for the Bord Bia Origin-Ireland logo when purchasing ham to support local farmers and ensure top-quality products.