Swine Raisers Association Seeks Government Support Amid Livestock Industry Challenges

The National Swine Raisers Association has expressed concerns about the ongoing losses faced by small-scale farmers due to high animal feed costs. Despite a 2 baht/kg increase in farm-gate prices after the Kathin robe offering ceremony and the tourist season, retail prices remain abnormally high. The association's president, Mr. Sitthipan Thanakiatphinyo, emphasized the need for the Department of Internal Trade to control pork prices to prevent consumers and small-scale farmers from being disadvantaged.

Key Takeaways:

• The Swine Raisers Association reported a 2 baht/kg increase in farm-gate prices for live pigs nationwide, reaching 60-62 baht/kg in the North, 52-56 baht/kg in the East, and 56 baht/kg in the Northeast.
• Average production costs for small-scale farmers exceed 70 baht/kg, while farm-gate prices remain below actual production costs.
• The association is collaborating with major operators to break the cycle of fattening pigs by selling underage piglets as roast pigs at special prices, helping to reduce the number of pigs entering the market.
• The association is discussing pig imports from abroad, particularly from the United States, which remain unclear but have caused concern among domestic farmers.
• The sharp drop in pork prices in the second quarter was partly due to rumors about imported pork from the United States, which led farmers to sell pork prematurely.
• The Department of Internal Trade is urged to seriously control pork prices in fresh markets nationwide, as retail prices remain high despite the decline in farm-gate prices.
• High animal feed costs remain a concern, particularly due to the corn price support policy, resulting in Thai pig production costs nearly double the global market price.

Statistics:

• Farm-gate prices for live pigs nationwide: 60-62 baht/kg in the North, 52-56 baht/kg in the East, and 56 baht/kg in the Northeast.
• Average production costs for small-scale farmers: over 70 baht/kg.
• Retail prices for pork in fresh markets nationwide: 160-180 baht per kilogram.
• Projected year-end price trends: gradual recovery, with concerns about high animal feed costs.
• Impact of pig imports from the United States on Thai farmers' competitiveness: potentially leading to loss.

Sources:

• Thai News Agency, "Swine Raisers Association reports 2 baht/kg increase in farm-gate prices for live pigs nationwide", 14 Oct 2025.