Signpost: Focus has firmly switched to minding the pennies

The notion of ‘luxury spending’ has gone out the window, as rising inputs swallow up the benefits of increased market returns, writes Waterford beef farmer Richard Long

Richard Long on his farm at Knockaunbrandaun, Co Waterford. Picture: Dan Linehan

What looked to be a promising year for beef farming, buoyed by strong factory returns, has turned to one where the focus has firmly switched to minding the pennies.

Beef farming is a tight margin business at the best of times and you’re depending on all your ducks forming an orderly row to ensure the bit between sales and costs provides a monetary reward for your year’s work.