Factory Demand for Cattle Increases – IFA
IFA Livestock chair Declan Hanrahan has outlined the demand for In – spec cattle which has increased significantly over the past few days as numbers of suitable cattle tighten on the ground.
He highlighted the struggle facing factories and their agents where some are now willing to pay 5-10c/kg over quotes to obtain cattle for slaughter.
“This demand is also very evident in recent days around mart rings where competition is intense between agents for various factories paying prices well above factory quotes,” he said.
The IFA Livestock chair said that the demand will only grow due to the usual Summer trade and the increase in demand generated by the Olympics in Paris.
“Supplies of cattle will remain tight, particularly for In-spec cattle, for the next number of months. It is important farmers take full advantage of the situation by selling hard. Where factories are not forthcoming with higher prices, farmers should consider the mart outlet which is boosted by NI buyers bringing vital competition to the trade.”
Mr. Hanrahan said that the factories must end their cutthroat attitudes when it comes to price. According to Declan Hanrahan beef markets are strong and tight supplies in our key markets create real opportunities for factories to provide increased prices to farmers.
