Beef still an issue for Irish farmers as processors have capacity to manipulate market

Grading and pricing were understandably big issues at the last Beef Forum. So too was the issue of exchange rates.

The strength of sterling is benefiting Irish meat exporters but the extra margin being achieved by the factories is not being seen by farmers and the gap is widening between Irish and UK cattle prices.

Like many other matters, it’s an anomaly that the beef forum can’t quite seem to get to grips with.