IFA: Prospects for beef and livestock prices are positive

THE price prospects for the beef and livestock sector this autumn are positive, according to Irish Farmers Association president, Padraig Walshe.

He said the Brazilian beef ban secured by the IFA together with tight cattle supplies and buoyant market demand has delivered strong cattle prices this year. Pointing out that prices are up €200 a head on last year, he said the IFA Brazilian campaign has really delivered for Irish livestock farmers.

IFA Livestock Committee chairman Michael Doran said cattle supplies will remain tight this autumn with slaughterings projected to at least 100,000 head behind 2007.

Meanwhile, a new pocket book with a range of potential business ideas for rural Ireland was launched at the ploughing championships. Published by Teagasc and the Irish Farmers Journal, it shows there is no shortage of good ideas for setting up a business in rural Ireland.

Topics covered include farm shops, cheese making, selling on Ebay and converting redundant buildings.

Paul McCarthy, Teagasc rural business specialist based in Athenry, Co Galway, who co-wrote the book with Peter Young, said in the current climate, with off-farm employment options more limited, farmers have to look at new ways of making money from their farm. “Some are finding that the small businesses are more successful and satisfying than the off-farm job ever was,” he said.