25th January, 2013

Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association beef committee chairman, Edmond Phelan, says beef farmers should not accept any cut in prices for their cattle from factories.  “I have heard of some cases where factories are attempting to pull the prices down, despite ongoing strong demand.  With meal bills coming in and having paid dearly for stores, some winter finishers are looking at significant losses so what we need is for prices to be rising week on week, not coming down.”
 
Mr Phelan said, “Demand for Irish beef is still good, notwithstanding the present difficulties the industry is embroiled in.  Farmers should simply not accept a reduction in the prices being paid for their cattle at this point in time.”