Beef
The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association (ICMSA) slammed the "punishing losses" being inflicted on beef finishers at current prices.
Agri Politics
Beef farmers are facing a "crisis of confidence" due to falling factory prices, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) said.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has responded to concerns over beef factory grading and pricing systems.
The ICMSA has said that questions have been raised about the grading and pricing systems operated by some beef factories.
Large crowds of farmers supplying cattle to Kepak Group's Watergrasshill processing site in Co. Cork gathered for a farm information evening
The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has said that factories have to "step up" when it comes to beef prices in order to secure supplies.
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) has aimed sharp criticism at Irish processors over beef prices.
The IFA has acknowledged the recent improvement in beef prices, but has said that "more is needed from the market".
The ICMSA has said that the recent upward trend in beef prices is both "necessary and welcome" for farmers.
The IFA Livestock Committee chair has said that beef prices have "edged upwards" as supplies tighten on the ground.
Demand from meat factories for in-spec beef cattle has strengthened considerably in the past few days, according to the IFA.
Beef News
Seven Irish beef factories are being inspected for export of beef to South Korea. These inspections were being carried out this week
The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has said that the current strong market demand has to be reflected in beef prices.
Factory prices "are all equally low even though some factories are able to pay much more for cattle at marts", the ICSA says.
Some factories are considering moving their processing facilities to the UK, according to Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny.
Recent beef prices have provided a "stark lesson" in why farmer confidence is continuing to fade from the beef system, according to the ICMSA.
Minister Creed has confirmed to the IFA that he has moved to provide permanent monitoring of carcase trim in the meat factories by the department's technical officers.
A number of factories are currently looking at the possibility of ceasing processing this week, as a 'cold snap' approaches.
After last weeks 5c/kg increase in base quotes, it seems meat factories have held prices this week on the back of an increase in supplies.
Similar to last week, the factory/farmer beef price stalemate has continued, with both parties 'sticking to their guns'.
The factory/farmer beef price stalemate has continued from last week, with steer and heifer prices remaining largely unchanged.
Procurement managers, across the country, have reported strong numbers of beef cattle being available for slaughter this week.
The kill is expected to be lower for yesterday (Monday 16), on the back of the extreme weather conditions.
