NFU Scotland boss highlights falling prices concerns in ‘tough times’ for cattle farmers
FARMERS are becoming increasingly concerned at the way beef prices are falling sharply and at reports of waiting times of more than five weeks to get cattle into some abattoirs.
This mirrors problems experienced in recent years and is hitting those selling prime cattle and causing concern for those with store animals to sell in the coming weeks.
Last week the average deadweight price for Scottish bullocks was 328p per kg, compared to 359p per kg in the same week a year ago. Based on an average carcase weight of 370kg, prime animals are making almost £115 less per head than a year ago.
NFU Scotland’s Livestock Committee chairman Charlie Adam said: “Farmers are rightly worried about the falling prices.
“We are seeing prices back more than 10 per cent yearon-year for both the store and finished markets. With late support payments and some challenging weather, it is a tough time for Scotland’s cattle farmers.
“There are certain areas in the Scottish beef market that must be addressed. The Scottish, UK and Irish prices are all very similar.
“This must make imports less attractive and our beef more competitive in Europe, but it also shows the urgent need to re-establish the premium that is normally attached to the Scottish brand.
“It is also clear that retailers are fighting to regain competitiveness and increase margins. This means the amount they pay for beef is being pushed lower, but that doesn’t appear to equate to a better deal for consumers as beef prices at a retail level appear static at best. That means beef producers must secure a fairer share of the margins being made on beef.”
Meanwhile, the European Parliament yesterday voted overwhelmingly to support the re-authorisation of the key herbicide glyphosate, but attached strings to its support.
The Parliament has suggested the EU Commission should now renew the licence (which expires at the end of June) for another seven years, not the 15 years that was originally proposed.
It has also demanded an independent review of the overall toxicity of glyphosate, focussed not just on its carcinogenicity, but also on possible endocrine-disruptive properties.
The non-binding resolution also says glyphosate should be for professional use only, and not used in public places.
The decision on re-authorisation of glyphosate ultimately lies with the European Commission and member states.