Cuts in factory prices ‘hurt beef sector and hit farmers’ livelihoods’

Beef farmers are angry that meat processors are cutting factory prices despite an ongoing shortage of beef in the UK and the Continent, the ICMSA has claimed.

ICMSA’s Beef and Cattle Committee chairperson, Michael Guinan, said the processors’ strategy of cutting, regardless of market forces, is extremely detrimental to the Irish beef sector and is undermining farmers’ ability to make a decent return from beef production.

“In the last number of weeks, factories have being playing a game with farmers by reducing quotes and making it difficult for farmers to get cattle killed and it is disgraceful that meats plants are simply taking advantage of their dominant position,” said Mr Guinan.