Tipperary TD calls for new BEAM scheme for beef farmers in response to falling prices

Beef Plan calls for State income supports through direct payments

placeholder image — Beef Plan calls for State income supports through direct payments

The Cathaoirleach of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee, Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill has requested that the Minister for Agriculture introduce a new BEAM scheme for beef farmers in response to falling prices nationally while inputs remain high.

“There is huge concern among farmers regarding the rapid drop in beef prices. We are only in the second week of August and the drop we have seen is unprecedented," he said.

The Fianna Fáil TD highlighted the stark difference in prices between the Irish and UK markets, saying: “In the last 11 weeks, cattle prices have dropped by 51c per kg here. In the same time, the UK market dropped by 26c per kg - half the Irish price drop. The price in the UK is 60c per kg ahead of Irish prices at the moment."

He said that confidence was at an exceptionally low level among beef farmers and this was while the input costs on farms had risen dramatically over the last 12 – 18 months.

The Thurles TD said: “If we compare just some input prices to what they were in 2021, prior to the war in Ukraine, it is understandable why farmers are feeling under so much pressure. Feed prices are €40 per tonne higher and fertilizer prices are €60-€70 per tonne higher now than they were in January 2021. This is not taking into account the huge costs in 2022 and into this Spring, including diesel and electricity costs, which have a significant impact on the cost of production."

Deputy Cahill said that finishers will be selling cattle in next number of weeks that they bought with prices reflective of the time of purchase. They have significantly dearer cattle in their production system.

He said that he had contacted the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, and requested that a BEAM scheme for cattle that are being sold from August 1, 2023, to January 1, 2024, be introduced to offset some of the losses being incurred by beef farmers.