Ireland's cattle producers having unrealistic price demands

Ireland's producer demands on cattle prices are unrealistic in the context of an extremely challenging beef trade, according to beef processors.

Beef demand in Britain and across Europe is very weak and lower than last year, said Meat Industry Ireland director Cormac Healy.

Overall sales are slower and consumers are continuing their move towards purchases of lower priced beef cuts and mince beef, he said.

Under this situation, any hope of a recovery in cattle prices is simply unrealistic, Healy said.

He said the anticipated increase in livestock supplies over the coming months coupled with stagnant demand and the absence of profitable markets such as Russia, all point to an unstable market outlook for the coming period.

In these circumstances, he said, the sector needs to seek urgent assistance from the government and the European Commission in the areas of export refund levels, credit insurance cover and market access.