Beef markets discussed at IFA meeting

The North Tipperary IFA County Executive met in the Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh, on Tuesday, June 30, under the chairmanship of newly elected County Chair Liam Coffey.

Guest speaker on the evening was Declan Hanrahan, IFA National Livestock Chair, who gave members a comprehensive update on the beef sector, market outlook and key policy issues affecting livestock farmers.

Mr Hanrahan told members that beef market fundamentals remain very strong despite attempts by some factory agents to talk down the trade. He said factories are finding it increasingly difficult to secure sufficient numbers for weekly kills, with cattle throughput continuing to tighten.

While some factories continue to quote lower prices, many are paying well above quoted prices to secure larger and specialised lots.

He encouraged farmers to shop around, sell hard and ensure factories pay prices that reflect the reality of the marketplace and the strong demand for Irish beef.

He also discussed the importance of live exports in maintaining competition within the marketplace, ongoing CAP negotiations and the need to ensure farmers receive a fair return for producing high-quality livestock.

Mr Hanrahan addressed the recent debate surrounding Bord Bia, outlining IFA's concerns that farmer confidence in the organisation has been seriously damaged following the recent governance review.

He said farmers are unwilling to accept additional requirements under the Quality Assurance Scheme unless confidence is restored and stressed that the QA process must be simplified rather than made more complicated while continuing to protect Ireland's premium reputation in international markets.

UPDATE ON ANIMAL HEALTH SITUATION

Members also received an update on the current animal health situation, including the ongoing vigilance required regarding bluetongue disease and the importance of maintaining Ireland's excellent animal health status.

County Chair Liam Coffey thanked Declan Hanrahan for his informative presentation and the detailed discussion that followed, with members raising a wide range of issues affecting livestock producers across North Tipperary.

Members warmly congratulated Joe O'Dwyer, Upperchurch, on his recent appointment as IFA National Vice-Chair of the Livestock Committee. In his new role, Joe will also serve on IFA National Council, ensuring North Tipperary continues to have a strong voice at national level on livestock and wider farming issues.

Members wished Joe every success in his new position.

The meeting also discussed preparations for the upcoming North Tipperary Agricultural Show, where North Tipperary IFA will once again have a strong presence with an IFA stand, providing an opportunity to engage with members, farm families and the wider public.

35TH ANNIVERSARY

Members were also informed that North Tipperary Farm Family will celebrate its 35th anniversary this August. A special celebration will take place in the Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh, with past members, supporters and friends encouraged to attend as the organisation marks 35 years of supporting farm families across North Tipperary. In closing the meeting, Liam Coffey reminded members that this is one of the busiest periods of the farming calendar. He encouraged all farm families to make farm safety their number one priority over the coming weeks and wished everyone a safe, productive and enjoyable summer.