Price structure to favour quality cattle

Moves by the meat industry to change its beef pricing structure in favour of higher grade cattle has been welcomed by Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association president Malcolm Thompson.

He said the ICSA has long since argued for a beef pricing mechanism which reflects the true value of the better quality beef cattle produced primarily from the national suckler herd.

For far too long the better quality cattle have been subsidising the cattle of poorer confirmation.

The new pricing grid will send out a strong message to all beef producers that quality pays.