Pig meat prices have finally reached a level which has halted the exodus of producers from the industry.
NSW over-the-hooks (OTH) pork prices reached 408c/kg (carcase weight) late last year, according to the National Livestock Reporting Service.
OTH bacon hit 383c/kg.
While prices normally spike during the Christmas period, these prices are still favourable compared with those at the same time last year.
At that time, pork peaked at 289c/kg and bacon at 261c/kg.
The present high meat prices have been attributed to the lack of domestic supply, coupled with a small surge of demand for ham on the bone that is a regular end-of-year occurrence.
NSW Farmers Association pork committee chairman, Mal Gett, says while bacon prices are pleasing, pork prices have been producers’ true Christmas present.
“Pork can range anywhere from 430c/kg to 450c/kg, which is excellent news for pig farmers,” he said.
Mr Gett says the fervent hope for the industry now is that prices will remain as strong well into next year.