Beef shortage could boost prices

A POSSIBLE scarcity of beef in the spring could lead to a much-needed rise in cattle prices, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association suggested yesterday.

ICSA beef committee chairman Robin Smith said there were whispers that the possibility of sourcing beef in other EU countries has been investigated.

That was in preparation for an expected drop in Irish cattle numbers, he said, suggesting farmers here may find themselves in a stronger bargaining position.