Gap between Irish and British beef prices has doubled, farmers claim

THE gap between Irish and British beef prices is now twice the level that existed in February 2009, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association has said.

Beef and Cattle Committee chairman Kevin Connolly said the gap has effectively doubled from about €60 per head in February 2009, to €125 per head in February 2010, and that is in addition to the losses the new price grid is imposing on the vast majority of farmers.

He said it may be argued that beef farmers have cried wolf in the past, but factories must realise there is now a full re-assessment of the enterprise mix on many farms.