Farmer Unity Important in Achieving Outcome in Beef Talks

IRELAND - IFA President Joe Healy said that after a difficult weekend of negotiations, a realistic and deliverable agreement has been reached, and will be recommended by all organisations.
calendar icon 16 September 2019
clock icon 2 minute read

"During a difficult endgame to the talks, the farm organisations stood together to get the best available outcome for farmers," he said.

"This is far from a perfect deal. While there are some aspects which will make a difference immediately, there are others that will require a lot of further work."

Mr Healy said the key elements of the agreement include additional bonuses for In spec cattle and cattle between 30 and 36 months.

As part of ensuring greater transparency, a Beef Price Index will be rolled out from next week to provide greater transparency on cattle prices.

Details of the agreement include:

  • An increase in the in-spec bonus for steers and heifers from 12c/kg to 20c/kg;

  • A new bonus of 8c/kg for steers and heifers aged between 30 to 36 months, which meet all non-age related existing in-spec criteria, and which up to now have not received any bonus;

  • A new in-spec bonus of 12c/kg for steers and heifers under 30 months which grade O- and fat class 4+;

  • Reduction in the in-spec 70-day residency requirement to 60 days on the last farm;

  • A new Beef Market Price index from Bord Bia covering cattle prices and beef market prices from our main export markets and offal prices.

IFA Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said a Beef Market Task Force will be set up and independently chaired to oversee the implementation of all the elements in the agreement, with clear timelines and full stakeholder engagement.

To view further agreements, please visit the IFA website.

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