ICMSA: farmers entitled to expect a rise in beef prices up to Christmas

THE Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association said that Kerry and Cork farmers are “absolutely entitled” to expect an immediate rise in beef prices between now and Christmas.

That’s according to Livestock Chairperson Des Morrison, who said that current conditions, prices and patterns are almost exactly the same as this time last year, when a price rise was experienced.

On that occasion, steer and heifer prices rose during the period by 30 cents per kilogramme.

Mr Morrison also pointed out that figures from the UK were similarly positive, and he believes current prices are far too low.

“We’re looking closely at the data here and can find no reason whatsoever that the steep price incline that kicked in at this time last year would not to be repeated this year,” Mr Morrison said.

“In fact, the data points even more emphatically towards a week-on-week price hike from now to year end.

“Last year, in a market environment that wasn’t as conducive to an upswing in beef prices as we see this year, we saw a 30-centsper-kilogramee surge from the end of October to the year’s end.

“We want, need and expect a similar price rise this year, and the factories are hereby on notice that it would want to be forthcoming immediately”, he believes.

All eyes on the sales ring at Dingle Mart on Saturday. Photo by Declan Malone

Tiarnan O Loingsigh with his sister, Cara, from Garfinny at Dingle Mart on Saturday. Photo by Declan Malone