Strong live export trade is ‘essential’ for viable 2017 beef prices

THE IFA’s National Livestock Committee Chairman has described a strong live export trade for calves as ‘essential’ to securing viable prices for farmers in the Irish beef sector.

Angus Woods said the IFA has been working to assist trade for 2017, with an eye to maintaining competition and a supply-and-demand balance within the sector. The IFA’s efforts have included meetings with a number exporters and the Department of Agriculture.

“The IFA has requested that the Department reduce the fees charged on calf exports, which currently run up to as much as €7.00 per head,” Mr Woods said.

“These charges are way too high relative to the value of the calf. It’s unfair that a calf worth between €80 and €150 would incur the same level of charge as a finished animal worth €1,400.”

Mr Woods went on to express his disappointment that Cork Marts are exiting the trade, but said the group has made changes to facilitate the sale and export of calves over the coming year:

“They’ve agreed to provide a rebate of €1.50 per head to those who purchase over 100 calves in their group.

“In addition, they will reduce the cost on sellers from €6.50 per head, to €3.00 per head on up to 50 calves,” Mr Woods set out in detailing the exit provisions.

The National Livestock Chairman said opening up export trade to Turkey this year had been central to weanling trade throughout Autumn, and called on the Department of Agriculture to maintain the strong live export trade to the Middle East and North Africa in 2017.