Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:122 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the total number of pigs in this country for the years 1986 to 1990, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Pig Numbers.
Estimated pig numbers in the years 1986 to 1990 were:
|
1986 |
— |
999,000 |
|
1987 |
— |
994,000 |
|
1988 |
— |
971,000 |
|
1989 |
— |
984,000 |
|
1990 |
— |
1,016,000 |
Pig numbers had been in decline from 1985 but by 1989 this downward trend was reversed and this year we have seen the national herd built up to over one million animals. This welcome change in trend is attributable in part to improved prices, especially in the autumn of last year. Prices so far this year are also running at favourable levels and are now above those applying at the corresponding period last year.
In addition the major development programme for the pigmeat industry is well under way and proving successful.
This too has helped to increase producer confidence in the industry.