Northern Ireland beef prices dragged down by southern market

Cheap cattle south of the border are one of three major reasons why far mers in Northern Ireland get 14p/kg less for beef cattle than their colleagues in mainland Britain.

According to an investigation by Oxford Economics of the price differential, the availability of a cheaper supply in the Republic of Ireland tends to constrain Northern Ireland prices relative to GB.

The Oxford Economics report recommends continued monitoring of deadweight beef prices north and south to build on knowledge of the price differentials.