Farmers demand action by minister over beef prices
The IFA has criticised Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney for failing to challenge the meat factories’ quality payment system and for failing to remove roadblocks impeding live trade to the North. These issues had been raised at the recent beef forum, a platform created by the minister in a bid to address growing farmer unrest with meat processors.
Livestock farmers say beef prices are down 15%- 20%. Steer prices are down 70c/kg, which is equivalent to €280 per head on a 400kg animal. They blame meat factory payment practices for a price cut that could amount to €370m in the annual value of beef output and exports.
