31 MAY 2019
ICSA sheep chairman Sean McNamara has warned that meat factories must not cut sheep prices for next week. “ICSA has protested on this matter and we have met Irish Country Meats on this matter. Our message is crystal clear; sheep farmers absolutely cannot bear more price cuts in the short to medium term.”
“The average sheep farmer’s income in 2018 was €13,769, that’s down 21% on the previous year. If there are more price cuts in the coming week, we’ll be wiped out altogether. They have been warned.”
Mr McNamara also reminded farmers that from tomorrow, June 1, it becomes mandatory that all sheep moving off farm must be identified electronically. “As it stands, lambs that are not EID tagged will be sent home. Farmers must also bring their new version dispatch book, but they should also demand full printouts for the stock they have sold. This was promised to us and factories need to deliver on it.”
ENDS
