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Latest Press Releases from ICSA – August 2009
- 11/08/09 – Suckler Farmers Out of Business if Beef Price Pressure Continues
- 11/08/09 – Better Outlook for Beef Prices Expected by Midweek
- 10/08/09 – Farmers in Need Must Look at ‘Farm Assist’
- 07/08/09 – ‘Don’t Sell Cattle Cheaply’ Warns ICSA Beef Chairman
11th August 2009 – Suckler Farmers Out of Business if Beef Price Pressure Continues
ICSA suckler chairman Brendan McLaughlin has said that the current pressure on beef prices from factories will result in many suckler farmers going out of business.
“This pressure reflects on the entire industry with poor prices being paid for weanlings as beef finishers are not getting a fair price in factories. Suckler farmers cannot afford to produce store cattle at the current prices that are being paid in the ring. There will be no supply of cattle to finish if the situation remains as it is.”
Mr McLaughlin said he is calling on meat factories to raise prices immediately if they want the industry in this country to continue. “If the suckler men are driven out of business there won’t be a beef industry,” he concluded.
11th August 2009 – Better Outlook for Beef Prices Expected by Midweek
ICSA beef chairman Seán Scully has said today that while beef prices are still at last week’s levels, there are some positive signs appearing. “Factory agents are becoming active in the marts buying well fleshed, finished cattle for immediate slaughter. This is an indication that cattle are scare. At the prices they are prepared to pay at ringside, most of the cattle would have to be getting 14c/kg (5p/lb) more than what is currently being quoted to farmers by factories.”
This week’s beef prices in the Midlands see U grade bullocks making 294c/kg (£1.05/lb), R grades 288c/kg (£1.03/lb) and 274c/kg (£0.98/lb) for O grades. Heifers are trading at 280c/kg – 300c/kg (£1.00/lb – £1.07/lb). Cows are making between 213c/kg – 224c/kg (£0.76/lb – £0.80/lb) and bulls are trading at 291c/kg – 297c/kg (£1.04/lb – £1.06/lb).
“Factories are actively sourcing cattle over the weekend for Monday morning’s kill. This would indicate that a price rise is on the cards by midweek,” Mr Scully concluded.
10th August 2009 – Farmers in Need Must Look at ‘Farm Assist’
ICSA President Malcolm Thompson has said today that he detects a great reluctance among farm families to apply for the social welfare payment known as ‘Farm Assist’ even though they may be entitled to the payment.
“For many farm families ‘Farm Assist’ is seen as the final admission that their traditional way of life is no longer viable. This is a matter of serious hurt to their pride and in many cases their self confidence. Farmers will at times go without themselves, and sadly, in some cases, their families. Necessary visits to the doctor, visits to the dentist and the purchase of clothing are sometimes put on the long finger, hoping for better times ahead.”
“While this attitude is laudable and indeed an example to the rest of society, I would encourage farmers who are in need of assistance for their families to seek it. ‘Farm Assist’ is not seen by farmers as a lifestyle of choice, but rather as a way of keeping their heads above water in times of dire necessity. They must realise that their situation is not one of their own making but as result of severe government cutbacks and I would urge them to take the necessary steps to apply for the payment” said Mr Thompson.
7th August 2009 – ‘Don’t Sell Cattle Cheaply’ Warns ICSA Beef Chairman
ICSA beef chairman Sean Scully has said today that beef factories have overdone the price cuts and that very soon, they will be crying out for cattle. “A series of price cuts in recent weeks has completely undermined farm viability and created a sense of panic among beef producers. However, farmers need to realise that they are now throwing away cattle at current prices. Only very fit cattle should be sold, all other cattle should be held onto unless the farmer is under extreme pressure.”
“What farmers need to recognise is that cattle are getting scarcer, especially well finished heifers. I would advise farmers to be careful not to sell cattle too cheaply over the coming weeks. Farmers would be better off concentrating on getting harvesting and silage operations sorted if the weather picks up.”
Mr Scully also called on the banks to use the opportunity of NAMA to restore reasonable credit facilities to farmers. “In recent months, the attitude of banks to farm credit has been far too severe. Unlike some property developers, farmers don’t run away from their responsibilities and in almost all cases, they have assets way in excess of any borrowing requirements. A better flow of credit would also provide a much needed boost to the livestock sector,” he concluded.
6th August 2009 – Benefits to Buying Grain off the Combine – ICSA
ICSA Munster vice president Edmond Phelan has said today that there are benefits to both the tillage and drystock farmer to buying grain this year off the combine. The poor prices on offer for grain farmers combined with falling incomes on drystock farms means that the two sectors should cooperate to cut out the middle man.
“Grain prices look like being scandalously low this year. Prices being quoted by the merchants will barely cover input costs, not even allowing for contractor charges. I would advise farmers to buy off the combine for crimping or else examine the options for treating or rolling the grain themselves. This will work out better for both the grain man and the cattle man,” he said.
