Coveney appeals for engagement on issues confronting beef sector

Farmers and processors were urged yesterday by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney to step up their engagement on complex issues confronting the beef sector.

He issued his appeal after meeting with the Irish Farmers’ Association about its concerns in relation to the strict application of market specifications, which is impacting on the price farmers are receiving for heavier cattle.

Mr Coveney acknowledged that beef farmers had legitimate concerns. The impact of price penalties for heavier animals was felt, most acutely, by some of the most commercial beef farmers who bred stock for high feed conversion efficiency.