Livestock farmers urged to bargain

LIVESTOCK farmers have been advised to bargain hard following the bank holiday to maximise their prices.

Sean Scully, deputy chairman, ICSA Beef Committee, said prices are on an upwards curve in key European markets like Britain and France. This is a good sign for Irish beef prices, but the indications are that there is more to be got.

The total kill up to the end of July is almost the same as 2006 — and there are indications that there should be a shortfall of approximately 60,000–70,000 cattle between now and year end, which should drive up the prices a bit.