19 DECEMBER 2019

ICSA president Edmond Phelan has said that the announcement of grant aid for calf rearing equipment will not be of any benefit if the price of beef remains well below the cost of production. “All grant aid is welcome for those who wish to invest in developing their farming activity. However, rearing calves at current beef prices is a complete waste of time.”

“I cannot understand how meat processors expect to keep their business viable long- term while they allow farmers to lose a fortune supplying beef at €3.55.”

“The reality is that markets everywhere are buoyant on the back of protein scarcity in China.  Even Brazilian beef price is getting close to Irish beef price now.  If meat processors want farmers to rear the 2020 crop of dairy calves, then we need an immediate and substantial beef price rise in January.  Otherwise ICSA will be advising farmers that buying calves is a totally unprofitable endeavour and they would be well advised to hold on to their money.”

ENDS