Angus Woods will succeed Henry Burns as the new IFA livestock chair.

The mixed livestock, sheep and tillage farmer from Ballinabarney, Co Wicklow, was elected to the role on Wednesday.

Woods is member of the Barndarrig branch and Wicklow IFA County Executive. He has served on the National Livestock Committee for the last six years.

The beef forum has been criticised a lot during the IFA elections campaign, but Woods says it is very important.

"IFA need to remain part of the beef forum, and better involved, and so we might have the opportunity to influence the outcome. First and foremost we will see who the new chair is and take it from there," he told the Irish Farmers Journal in reference to the next agriculture minister, who will oversee the forum.

It's been a tough winter, not just for finishers, but also for suckler farmers. There was early housing, floods, late turnout with the bad weather, and it was tough on all farmers.

Woods said his main priority will be tackling the difficult income problem in livestock farming, adding that “strong viable cattle prices and active competition are essential for the beef sector”.

"It's been a tough winter, not just for finishers, but also for suckler farmers. There was early housing, floods, late turnout with the bad weather, and it was tough on all farmers. We will do our utmost as a committee to try an work on the issues affecting the sector.

"Ultimately we need more competition in the market place. If we can secure that then the sector will become viable. We would prefer Slaney to be trading as an independent. Also, live exports are critical - the market won't work properly without them," he said.

He also emphasised the importance of direct payments to the incomes of livestock farmers and maintaining a strong CAP, with a strong budget. He said he was very clear that the incomes of livestock farmers must improve.

With regards to cattle prices currently at a base of €4.00/kg, the new chair said an increase is necessary as they are well below the costs of production for winter finishers.

Woods succeeds Henry Burns, who was IFA livestock chair for the past four years, during which he “worked tirelessly for livestock farmers,” Woods said.