Supermarkets and other retailers will find it difficult to source locally produced fresh milk in the winter months, as low prices are driving away specialist liquid milk producers.

Small food producers can save up to €6,300 annually through efficient energy, water, and landfill management, according to the TradeIT food industry network.

Beef prices continued unchanged at the factories this week, denting the expectations of producers on the verge of the Christmas kill, which has often been relied upon to deliver a boost for the finishers.