IFA to lobby TDs and Senators over beef prices
The IFA will hold an intensive lobby of all TDs and Senators on the beef crisis in Dublin next Wednesday, February 13th. IFA President, Joe Healy, said the crisis is due to multiple factors including poor prices, rising costs and reduced direct payments. This has been compounded by the weakness of sterling and the major uncertainty around Brexit.
Mr Healy said compared to this time last year, cattle prices are down by 20/25 cents per kg or €100/head. Cattle finishers with young bulls are facing price cuts of 40c/kg+ and finding it almost impossible to sell their stock.
The IFA President said urgent action is required now by the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and the government to ensure the following:
-
A comprehensive package of market supports and direct aid for farmers from the EU Commission
IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said R3 grade young bulls in Ireland are reported at €3.71/kg for w/e January 19th.
“Compared to young bull prices across the main EU markets we are way behind with the Italian price at €4.55/kg inclusive vat, the German price at €4.05/kg, French bulls at €4.02/kg and the Spanish price at €3.98/kg,” said the IFA National Livestock Chairman. These figures indicate that Irish young bull producers are being short changed by up to 30c/kg compared to our European counterparts.”