A war of words has broken out over the outcome of the beef talks. While Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed hailed it a “successful outcome”, the farm organisations seemed underwhelmed by their own work.

The one measure that will eventually impact on cattle prices is the extension of the 12c/kg quality payment to 200,000 cattle grading O- and 4+. It is being viewed as benefiting dairy rather than suckler cattle.

IFA president Joe Healy said beef farmers would be disappointed by the lack of movement on price because that is what is important to them

Other agreed measures included a full review of both the price grid differential and the Quality Payment System (QPS) criteria by the end of September, grading appeals, factory insurance being made optional and the creation of a price index.

IFA president Joe Healy said beef farmers would be disappointed by the lack of movement on price because that is what is important to them.

Healy described price as “the elephant in the room”.

Beef Plan Movement negotiator Enda Fingleton said a golden opportunity was missed.

“The talks have failed,” he said, being particularly disappointed over the failure to abolish the 30-month age limit for the QPS.

Meat Industry Ireland, in contrast, struck a positive tone, calling the outcome a wide-ranging agreement that constituted “a step forward for the sector”.

Prices were unchanged this week, as the kill level returned to normal. Base prices of €3.45/kg see farmers suffering the same losses as before the factory gate protests began almost four weeks ago. Whether protests resume will depend on the reaction of farmers on the ground. The Beef Plan Movement is consulting its members on its next steps.