Bangkok:A recent 4 baht per kilogram increase in the recommended farm-gate price of live pigs has been clarified by the National Swine Breeders Association as a necessary measure to support livestock farmers in selling their pigs above production costs.
According to Thai News Agency, production costs for pig farmers have increased to 68-72 baht per kilogram, while actual selling prices have been lagging behind, affecting farmers' profitability. The association aims to help farmers by pushing for a recommended price that enables them to cover these costs, despite the current low purchasing power and rising feed costs.
Mr. Sittiphan Thanakiattiphinyo, President of the association, indicated that the price increase announced on October 19th is not uniform for all farmers, as actual prices will vary depending on factors such as sales volume, location, and transportation costs. For instance, although the recommended price is 66 baht per kilogram, farmers may receive only 62 baht per kilogram after deductions.
Currently, the selling price in some areas for large pig batches is around 62 baht per kilogram, an improvement from previous rates of 56-58 baht per kilogram. However, this still falls short of covering the production costs, particularly for small-scale farmers who continue to suffer financial losses.
Despite the end of the Vegetarian Festival, consumer purchasing power remains weak, and pig farmers are under pressure due to market competition and an increase in retail channels for pork. This situation has led to ongoing losses for many farmers, with occasional profits insufficient to offset previous losses.
Additionally, the prices of feed raw materials have risen, exacerbating the cost burden for pig farmers. A report covering October 12-16, 2026, noted increases in the price of corn and soybean meal, key components of animal feed.
Mr. Sittiphan emphasized the importance of government intervention to manage feed raw material prices and monitor pork prices, as feed costs are a substantial burden on farmers. The association is working to advocate for prices that more accurately reflect production costs in the current market environment.