Minister issues autumn beef profits warning to store buyers

THERE won’t be any Dáil deputies bidding at the mart ringsides bidding high for store cattle, following advice delivered in the House by no less an authority than Agriculture and Food Minister Joe Walsh.

Asked by Cork East Fine Gael TD David Stanton for his proposals to restore profitability to winter beef producers who are currently losing money, Minister Walsh said store cattle have been 11.7% dearer this year. Those without a premium have been making about 300 with their weight, and up to 1,000, if one can draw two premia on them.

“I find it difficult to understand how farmers pay that amount of money for store cattle and expect to make a margin next autumn, but that is what is happening,” he said.