IFA president seeks fare share of retail price for producers

Cattle prices from €4 to €4.50/kg and mid-season lamb prices of €5 to €6.00/kg are essential to cover the cost of production on the most efficient farms, says IFA president Joe Healy.

He has called for stronger action from the EU and Government to address the ongoing income challenges in the beef and sheep sectors. Speaking at the Farmers Journal open day on the Tullamore suckler and sheep farm, he said viable price returns are possible once there is a fair share out of the retail price across the chain.

“Beef markets are in a strong position and there is no basis for any pressure on cattle prices,” said Mr Healy. “In addition, live exports are performing very well, up 45%, with 140,000 head exported to date this year.”