October 12, 2012

Northern Ireland's beef farmers lose US$1.6 million on cheaper cattle import

As processors import cheaper cattle from the Republic for slaughter, Northern Ireland's beef farmers are losing GBP1 million (US$1.6 million) a week in market income.

The National Beef Association (NBA) says members are shocked after learning that 14.6% of Northern Ireland's cattle kill in the last week in September was imported from the South, where stock is around GBP50 (US$80) a head cheaper.

As a result local average prices fell as those in Britain rose. NBA chairman Oisin Murnion said, "During a Stormont debate earlier this week it was noted that beef farmers like us were collectively losing GBP1 million (US$1.6 million) a week in market income as a result."