Soaring beef farm costs in NI figures

Wheat is 21.2% dearer, barley is 27.8% dearer, and use of concentrate feeds for beef cattle has increased by as much as 41.2%, according to Northern Ireland figures for this year’s increased cost of beef production.

Animal feed statistics produced by the North’s Department of Agriculture show a 33.8% increase in the quantity of beef compounds sold, and a 41.2% increase in the quantity of coarse beef mixes and blends sold, when comparing Aug 2011 and Aug 2012.

The Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMC) says the increased beef production costs are expected to carry right through the winter.

The latest market information report issued by the Home Grown Cereals Authority has indicated that the cost per tonne of barley delivered into Belfast is £197.50 (equivalent to €242.76).

The cost of wheat delivered into the port is £213.50 (€262.426) — respectively 21.2% and 27.8% higher than prices on the same week last year.