The year 2019 will go down as one of the most difficult in memory for beef farmers. Prices, Brexit, protests and BEAM were just some of the issues faced by farmers.

We as beef and suckler farmers will need 2020 to be a much more positive year, starting with incomes and through to the public perception of what we actually do and produce.

All farmers have a part to play in telling this story, be that through traditional media, online and social media, actions on farms and discussions with our non-farming neighbours and consumers.

Environmental and climate change concerns among consumers need to be addressed, not just by refuting numerous inaccurate claims that are appearing more regularly, but by advancing the story of food production in Ireland through educating the younger generation who are now a further generation removed from farming.

Government bodies and agencies must also play their part – farm organisations too – and both must work together to ensure Irish beef achieves the highest possible price in as many markets as possible.

Damage

Undermining the work of government or Bord Bia in our main international markets is not in the interests of Irish farmers and those who attempt to do this must consider the damage they do to Ireland’s beef production reputation.

There are many voices calling for an end to under-30-month prime beef production.

Firstly the requirement for beef under 30 months in certain markets must be understood.

Secondly, the economics of moving to producing beef from older animals does not stand up to scrutiny or any peer-reviewed research.

Thirdly, the consumer of today requires our beef to be produced in the most environmentally friendly way possible and that requires reducing the average age at slaughter.

New relationship

Retailers and processors must ensure that 2020 is the start of a new relationship between primary producer and the end consumer, via the processor and retailer.

The era of cheap food being a loss-leader and the primary producer paying the cost must end. Processors must find a way of rewarding farmers for producing quality beef in a sustainable manner and this starts with the sharing of margins between retailer, processor and producer.

Price is the main part of the equation, but other areas that need addressing include future price contracts, sharing of risk and a clear understanding of what product is required and for what market.

Taskforce

I don’t see that the Beef Taskforce meetings will be the panacea to all issues in the beef industry, certainly not in the short term. However, I do look forward to reports and recommendations from various parties to the talks. Particularly, a review of the beef grid which should lead to a higher differential for suckler bred beef, the first positive step of 2020.