25 SEPTEMBER 2018

ICSA sheep chairman John Brooks has once again hit out at processors for using excess supply to push down prices. “Processors are continuing to make huge profits off the backs of sheep farmers; they have no problem forward selling lamb at much greater prices than afforded to the primary producer. This time of year is peak supply and factories keep looking for more supply but as soon as it’s forthcoming, prices are pulled.”

Continuing Mr Brooks said, “From the time our lambs are in the processors hands, everyone handling the product along the line are making profits while also benefitting from whole raft of rights and terms & conditions that protect them. No such protection is available to the sheep farmers who are being squeezed to such an extent that they are producing at a loss. It is both unjust and completely unsustainable in this day and age.”

“2018 has undoubtedly been, and continues to be, the toughest year for farmers in living memory. It is shameful that processors are hammering hard pressed sheep farmers with their short term, high profit outlook. Current prices of €4.65/kg, and even less in some cases, are below cost production. In essence, they don’t care who they put out of business.”

ENDS