‘Low prices and export uncertainty have knock-on effect on beef trade’

Low factory prices for beef and uncertainty about live exports are causing stagnation in the Irish cattle trade, IFA national livestock chairman Henry Burns has warned.

Stable beef prices and strong live exports are vital for this autumn’s store and weanling trade, said Mr Burns, adding that it is critical for beef prices to stabilise so feeders have the confidence to buy cattle and feed.

“Feeders will be slow if they see factories continuing to pull back prices,” said Mr Burns. “The excessive and unjustified price cuts of recent weeks seriously damages confidence in the sector. Feeders need certainty and stability from the factories on prices. With a good burst in grass growth, demand will lift the trade.”