IFA push for action on UK beef trade

GRASSFED cattle supplies are rapidly drying up, according to the IFA. The farm body claimed that strengthening sterling, along with reducing supplies would justify a 10c/ kg price rise for beef farmers.

IFA president Joe Healy said that most farmers had decided by now to either sell or house, and this in itself has tightened numbers and given farmers more bargaining power.

He said that British R3 steers were making £3.59/kg (€4.29) at the 88p/€ exchange rate, and that cattle are moving rapidly into the high demand Christmas procurement period.

The push comes in the same week slated for the next Beef Forum meeting.

“Factories, and all sections of the industry, know there is no future for the Irish beef industry at current prices. Factories must demand significantly higher prices from their British retailer customers and pass these increases directly back to struggling farmers,” said Mr Healy.

He warned that it was clear from the experience this autumn that the industry plan to increase cattle numbers will fail the Irish beef sector and farmers.

Live exports

“We need to adopt a strategy based on more live exports of calves, weanlings and store cattle to create a better supply/ demand balance in the market and more competition,” he said.

Mr Healy added that Minister Creed needed to prioritise market access, especially live export markets to find viable outlets for the increased numbers forecasted in 2017, as well as securing a solution to the labelling issues being used to block the live trade to Northern Ireland and Britain.

“The Government must pursue all of the national and EU options on support for producers in the context of Brexit implications as well as securing more support for promotion and marketing, and a direct support of €200 per suckler cow,” he said.