Kerry beef-farmers in fight for survival

A NEW movement by beef farmers across the country is gathering momentum in Kerry, where farmers from across the county have joined together with their counterparts to demand a fair price for their meat products.

There are over 5,000 beef farmers in the county and all are invited to play a part in the development of the National Beef plan 2018-2025.

The plan has put together by beef farmers for beef farmers, in a bid to protect the sector moving forward. Continous price cuts to farmers, coupled with increased farming costs, have put the sector in grave danger according to local farmers who are playing a part in the development of the national plan, which they hope will help them gain a fair price for their products.

The beef plan and associated movement hopes to bring farmers in each county together to have their voices heard in relation to prices for their produce.

“No business would allow their prices to be cut like that for their product, but it seems it’s okay for farmers to be the losers in an otherwise profitable business,” said farmer Pat Browne, who is one of a new group set up to tackle decreasing prices to farmers.

“We have decided to take strong action against these cuts.”

A meeting is taking place next Monday, February 4, in Castleisland to bring beef farmers in Kerry together to hear about the Beef Plan and how this will help farmers get a fair price for meat.

The meeting takes place at Castleisland mart at 7.30pm, and all beef farmers in the county are invited to attend.

“Suckler and beef farmers should demand a price that will bring a profit. Over the years farmers have made huge investments in their business, yet prices are being constantly cut,” Mr Browne said.