IFA expresses frustration at export cattle prices

Farmers are very frustrated that cattle prices have not moved on to reflect higher returns from the country’s main export market in Britain and the strength of sterling, the Irish Farmers Association has claimed.

Livestock Committee chairman Henry Burns said there is real potential for Irish cattle prices to rise but the gap that has opened up is unsustainable.

He called on Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney to immediately intervene through the Beef Forum to deal with the threats on farmers from factories on key issues around weights and specifications.

Mr Burns said access to live cattle markets are equally as important in terms of price competition and additional outlets.

There are very good opportunities available for live cattle exports to Egypt, Libya, the Lebanon and Turkey as well as Morocco and Algeria.

“It is vital that action is taken on securing exports to all of these live cattle markets so as to encourage the trade and maximise exports,” he said.

Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association beef committee chairman Edmond Phelan has called for a convening of the Beef Forum to address issues such as the “shocking price differential” between Irish and British beef.