ICSA signals concerns over beef sector trends

History could repeat itself if increased calf births and a sharp fall in live exports drive down beef prices, ICSA beef chairman Edmond Phelan has warned.

Mr Phelan said that he is concerned at trends which show increased calf births for the early weeks of 2015. Coupled with the fall in live exports, fears of factory prices falling are starting to emerge.

“While the mart trade is flying at the moment for all grades of store cattle, I am concerned that the trends suggest that history is repeating itself all over again. Increased calf births and decreased live exports is a recipe for sharp price falls in 18-24 months’ time,” said Mr Phelan.