Between €3.65/kg and €3.70/kg is being paid out and farmers should continue to fight hard for price, IFA national livestock chair Brendan Golden has said.

The IFA has said that trade in marts is very positive and weanling sales are off to a good start. Farmers have been advised to bargain hard when selling cattle to factories.

Golden said: “The market is strong and demand is good, with agents actively seeking animals. Prices have increased slightly this week and there is good demand in both Northern Ireland and the UK.”

Finisher payment

The IFA has reminded farmers who qualify for the Beef Finisher Payment Scheme to apply as soon as possible.

To qualify for the €100 per head payment, farmers must have slaughtered an animal between 1 February 2020 and 12 June 2020 inclusive.

They must also be a member of Bord Bia’s quality assurance scheme or undertake to become a member before 30 September 2020.

Agent or dealer herds will not be eligible for payment. Animals identified on the Department as presented for slaughter by or on behalf of a factory will also be ineligible.

Golden concluded: “We want the €50m out to farmers as quickly as possible. The closing date is 9 September and I would encourage farmers to get their applications in promptly."

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