Farmers angry at ‘unjustified and unprecedented’ beef price cuts

Farmer anger is in danger of boiling over because of “unjustified and unprecedented” factory beef price cuts.

Following an emergency meeting of the IFA Livestock Committee, chairman Henry Burns called for a halt to the cuts and the restoration of stability to the trade.

He said the beef factories have cut cattle prices by 35c to 50c/kg across the different categories or €130 (steers), €150 (heifers) and €145 (cows) since early/mid-June.

Price cuts of this magnitude are inflicting severe financial and income damage on livestock farmers and acutely eroding confidence across the sector, he said.

Mr Burns said farmers. who encountered major cost increases during one of the most difficult winter and spring periods on record with a severe fodder crisis, are left with large bills.

“It is critical livestock farmers have a period of strong stable and profitable cattle prices to overcome these challenges and recover,” he said.