Farmers protesting outside the ABP plant in Cahir, Co Tipperary, say they “just have enough” of beef price cuts.

Tipperary Beef Plan chair Joe Trehy told the Irish Farmers Journal they were mounting a peaceful protect at the beef plant and are not blocking cattle from going in. He said that he had spoken to the drivers of lorries and tractors and trailers with stock arriving and some turned away, while one lorry continued to deliver the cattle.

“Most said they won’t bring cattle here again for the moment,” he said.

Trehy added that the group had spoken to local vets, who told them they will not pass the picket line.

The Fethard suckler farmer said he fattened 60 to 70 animals this year and he was back €200/hd and another €80 extra in costs with the dry summer last year.

“It’s just not sustainable,” he said.

Annette Hunt, whose son and daughter run Cashel Mart, was asked about the Beef Plan Movement’s request that farmers, on Monday:

  • Do not go to the local co-op.
  • Do not sell cattle at the local mart.
  • Do not go to the factory with cattle.
  • Do not go to the local town to shop.

    • “We have to see the bigger picture. We have to support other farming people,” she said. “If this is what it takes, then I personally have no problem with it.”

    She said she was joining the Cahir protest because: "I can see the impact this is having on farm families and I believe a lot of people aren’t aware of the added value that farming gives to a community in terms of where they spend their money."

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