Farmers dig in against low factory beef prices

Beef farmers are holding onto their cattle rather than accepting low factory prices, according to IFA livestock chairman Henry Burns. 

The IFA beef spokesman said farmers are not prepared to part with cattle at the lower quoted base prices of €4.10 on steers and €4.15 on heifers. They are also monitoring the progress of exporters and shippers seeking to develop the trade to North Africa.

“Over the weekend factories had to part with €4.15 base to get steers and €4.20 on heifers,” said Mr Burns. He said cattle supplies in 2015 will be back 120,000 to 150,000 head, and urged farmers to dig in hard on price and resist the factory pressure.