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"Negotiate with processors to gain a higher base price" is the advice being given to beef farmers by the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU). This comes in response to the publication of data by the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) that shows that abattoirs are experiencing a cattle shortage.
Challenge
“This gives Northern Ireland farmers an advantage, and we urge them to negotiate on beef price and not be afraid to challenge what processors are offering,” said UFU beef and lamb chair, Sam Chesney.
Farmers need to look at all options for increasing revenue
“The beef base price is aggressively below the three- and five-year average, but live markets have become stronger in recent weeks and there is a strong demand for beef cattle. Farmers need to look at all options for increasing revenue,” he added.
January to July 2019 saw a decrease of almost 17,000 beef calves registered to suckler cows, which will have an impact on the economy inNorthern Ireland.
Unacceptable
Chesney has warned that a no-deal Brexit outcome is not yet off the table and has called the uncertainty that farmers are facing as unacceptable.
“The fall in beef calf registrations shows that farmers have already started to make serious decisions about their businesses,” he said.
The UFU are asking that farmers make use of the data obtained and challenge processors to get the base price they deserve.
SHARING OPTIONS: