Producers warn industry on price

Marts: Spring finishers of beef warned the processing industry at a meeting with Meat Industry Ireland last Friday of being left high and dry without spring beef supplies unless prices are improved.

But the response could not have been more negative as the processors — particularly across the southern half of the country — imposed further severe cuts in prices yesterday as European markets for forequarters remains very weak.

Quoted prices for R grade stock fell to 280c/kg (100p/lb) in the south and east, with some of the processors in the Midlands holding quotes at 286c/kg (102p/lb). Slaney Meats (Bunclody) were offering 286c/kg (102p/lb) for quality assured stock and Dunbia Newgrange (Navan) was quoting 289c/kg (103p/lb) for underage animals, while Kepak at Kilbeggan was offering 286c/kg (102p/lb) for underage.

Prices on offer for O grade ranged 266-263c/kg (95p-94p/lb) with 6c/kg (2p/lb) extra for quality assured at Slaney and for underage at Kepak (Kilbeggan).

Quoted prices for cows range 235-218c/kg (84p-78p/lb) but higher prices are being secured in direct deals with factories.

Dawn Meats (Midleton) which is closing for holiday next week ceased taking bookings, with requirements full, before lunch yesterday.

Clare producer, Martin McMahon, chairman ICMSA Beef and Cattle Committee who attended the meeting with Meat Industry Ireland said that the factories have a choice to “either raise beef prices immediately or risk irreparable damage to the long-term future of their own business with farmers switching to seasonal production off grass”.

IFA president Padraig Walshe said the price being paid to winter finishers was a disgrace.

He said beef finishers had taken a hammering this spring and there was now a serious question over beef factories’ commitment to a 52-week supply from Irish farmers.