UK fury over cheap Irish beef imports

UK cattle farmers have pointed the finger at cheap Irish beef imports, with opposition mounting in Wales, where steer prices fell 7p per kg in a fortnight.

Steer carcase prices are 46p per kg lower than the same time in 2013.

Farmers' Union of Wales president Emyr Jones said he has been inundated with calls from farmers losing money due to reduced beef prices, and faced with cancelled slaughterhouse bookings. “There is also real anger about the proportion of imported meat coming on to the UK market, undermining prices and reducing throughputs in our abattoirs.”