Suckler farmers need better prices

WEANLING prices will have to rise substantially if suckler farming is to remain viable, in the face of escalating farm costs, it was claimed yesterday.

Also, Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association suckler committee chairman Brendan McLaughlin condemned what he described as the actions of meat factories in cutting prices.

“These cuts are coming at a very sensitive time for the suckler farmer because it damages confidence in the weanling trade.”

Mr McLaughlin said with the cost of maintaining a suckler cow topping €600 per annum there is no way farmers will accept bad prices for top quality stock.

“We cannot expect beef finishers to stay in business either if they’re not making a margin.”