IFA warns over sheep prices

THE IFA has warned that concerted actions by meat factories to collapse spring lamb prices prematurely will force farmers out of business.

Sheep committee chairman Laurence Fallon said the factories have attempted without justification to cut spring lamb prices by almost €1/kg (35p/lb), equivalent to €20 per lamb.

“This short term opportunism by the meat factories will compound the seasonality problem in the sheep sector and drive producers out of early lamb production. Irish lamb will only be available mid summer,” he said.

Mr Fallon said the IFA will tackle the severe price cut head on this week. Producers and their representatives will meet the meat factory managers demanding a halt in the price drop.