The price of beef

This week’s farmer protests about how powerful retailers can define the market and, to a very large degree, set farm incomes is another expression of the challenges faced by most workers today.

However, very few workers can demand that the relevant minister “do something about it” when faced with a pay cut. What the minister “can do” is a moot point, much as it might be in any dispute between any employer and employee in the private sector.

Speaking on RTÉ yesterday, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney pointed out that the main reason for lower cattle prices was an increase in beef production, with the number of cattle slaughtered up by 12.5%. This allows processors to cherry pick and at an advantageous price — to them at least. Farmers have enjoyed good beef prices in recent years and prices remain above average. It seems that some beef farmers may have paid too much for young animals as they expected beef prices to continue to rise. There is some evidence too of a beef cow sell-off to prepare for dairy expansion when milk quotas end next year.