Processors have been told that they “can and must do more” for farmers in closing the gap between beef prices paid to farmers in Ireland and farmers in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Declan Hanrahan, the livestock chairperson of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), claimed that factories are attempting to “undermine” beef prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Hanrahan, demand for beef is expected to pick up over the summer months in key markets against a backdrop of tighter supplies of cattle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said that UK production is predicted to tighten considerably as the year progresses, with prices remaining strong. UK beef prices are around 60c\/kg above prices paid to Irish farmers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This gap in prices with our most important market is not acceptable and must be closed. Volumes of beef sold into this market increased significantly in 2023 and grew a further 25% earlier this year, which must be reflected in beef prices to farmers,” Hanrahan said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“EU beef production fell by 3.9% in 2023, with a further reduction of 2.3% predicted for the year. Consumption levels of beef are reasonably stable,” he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“If Bord Bia calculations are correct, supplies of cattle here are projected to be back between now and year-end by up to 60,000 head,” the IFA livestock chair said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n“All of this points to strong and favorable conditions for beef, which must be returned to farmers by factories in higher prices.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
“Farmers should sell hard and ignore the unfounded negativity on beef prices from factories and their agents,” he commented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beef prices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n