Beef protests demonstrate anger over factory cuts

Farmers will take to the streets tomorrow to vent their frustration over factory beef price cuts and specifications changes which are eroding confidence in the sector, especially among winter finishers.

The move by the factories to target prime in-spec steers and heifers with new price and weight cuts, following their recent meeting with Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney, was a step too far and shows scant disregard for both the minister and farmer suppliers.

Beef farmers will protest at the Department of Agriculture in Dublin because of their anger and frustration with the price cuts. Winter finishers simply cannot endure any more losses.