Beef factories urged to produce viable contracts for winter finishers

BEEF factories were urged yesterday to come forward with contract arrangements at economically viable prices for winter finishers to fatten cattle next winter and spring.

Irish Farmers Association National Livestock Committee chairman Michael Doran said winter finishers have been nailed economically, with loss-making cattle prices from the factories for the last three years. They cannot go through another winter of losses.

“Supermarkets and factories have pushed all of the risks and losses back on top of feeders. This is not sustainable. Feeders are demanding contracts and are not prepared to feed cattle at a loss again next winter,” he said.