Beef farmers price rise to reflect currency markets

Beef producers should get an extra 15c/kg in returns from the UK market due to fluctuations in currency markets, said IFA livestock chairman, Angus Woods.

Mr Woods said there is a significant change in the cattle trade with much tighter supplies, a positive shift in sterling and very strong Christmas demand. He said the base price for steers and heifers has increased, with €3.70/3.75 for steers and €3.80/3.85 for heifers.

He said that Irish farmers are digging in and demanding more for their cattle, which in turn is leaving many factories with very tight numbers in lairages around the country.