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More price stability and better returns needed for beef and lamb producers – current situation unsustainable

The Ulster Farmers’ Union has stressed that the current pricing structure in Northern Ireland for beef and sheep meat is unsustainable and that all producers need to see more stability and profitable returns if the sector is to thrive. The comments were made following separate meetings with the Northern Ireland Meat Exporters’ Association (NIMEA) and the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA).

UFU Beef and Lamb Policy Chairman Robert Davidson said; “We have met with NIMEA again to hammer home the point that our farmers are fed up with the unpredictable and unfair pricing structure that operates in Northern Ireland. The latest LMC figures indicate that the current price spread amongst producers is steadily widening and going forward this is simply not fair or sustainable. The processors are playing a dangerous game that ultimately threatens Northern Ireland’s family farm structure, which is the backbone of our agricultural industry.

“Beef quotes do appear to have stabilised slightly for prime cattle at 364-370p/kg but, as the price spread demonstrates, higher prices are available and I strongly encourage farmers to actively seek these prices out.” 

The Ulster Farmers’ Union has also met with the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) to discuss the lamb market.

Robert Davidson continued; “Disappointingly, there has been a steep drop in lamb prices in a very short space of time and this has had a significant impact on producers. In light of this, I would advise farmers to fully finish their lambs in order to maximise returns and to avoid ‘soft selling’. Supplies are expected to tighten in the UK and Ireland in the second half of this year so we would expect to see a boost in prices then. The lamb trade does appear to be stabilising with prices at 390-400p/kg but producers still should be marketing their lambs strongly.”