Beef farmers penalised as the goalposts are moved

The future is uncertain but it is clear that the market cannot be left entirely to its own devices

On Friday night I spoke at a meeting of the Cork/ Kerry Charolais breeders in Macroom. Even among this group of normally positive farmers, difficulties in the beef trade were weighing heavy on their minds.

Price is not the only concern. Throughout 2014, farmers have experienced difficulties in slaughtering certain categories of livestock. Particular problems relate to young bulls aged over 16 months and weighing more than 420kg carcass weight. Up to this year, there was never a real problem with bulls up to 450kg and up to two years old.