Pressure on Beef Forum to build on progress

The next meeting of the Beef Forum, this coming Tuesday, will have to build on progress by delivering on key issues, the Irish Farmers’ Association said yesterday.

IFA National Livestock Committee chairman, Henry Burns, said these issues include the opening of new markets for increasing cattle numbers, and improved carcase classification and trim controls at meat plants.

They also include price transparency, adjustments to the Animal Identification System, quality assurance, live exports and specifications that suit Irish production.

Mr Burns said the Beef Forum has proved to be important in the recovery of the sector and cattle prices, from the severe problems in 2014. All indications are that finished cattle supplies will remain tight for the remainder of 2015 and into next year, with Bord Bia forecasting a 100,000-head reduction in supplies at the factories. He said 2015 calvings and registrations have increased and live exports are back, which mean cattle supplies in 2017 will be higher.

Mr Burns said Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney must get beef exports moving to the likes of the US and China. “We have had all the announcements, but progress on getting exports moving is far too slow,” he said.

Cattle prices were stronger this week, with increased demand and tighter supplies. Because of the continuing strength of sterling, returns from the main export market in Britain very positive. Factory agents were ringing farmers looking for stock. Any attempts to buy cattle at lower-quoted prices failed over last weekend. “There is now an acceptance they are going to have to pay more. In addition, they are moving outside their usual catchment areas to get numbers,” he said.