Cattle processors in Northern Ireland cannot get enough beef cattle to meet demand, but it could lead to farmers bargaining for better prices, according to a farming union.
Ulster Farmers’ Union beef and lamb chairman Crosby Cleland says that currently processors cannot get enough beef cattle to meet demand and that this puts farmers in the driving seat to bargain for better prices.
He said: “There is definitely upward momentum in the price of beef cattle at the minute as processors aggressively compete for cattle in order to keep up with customer demands.”
The UK market continues to respond positively and the exchange rate is also working in favour of farmers.
'Flexibility'
Mr Cleland says: “We have a very good opportunity to push for better prices at this time. Anyone with a batch of good quality cattle is readily being quoted 360p/kg and there will be opportunities to squeeze out more for heifers.
“Processors are also starting to show more flexibility in their specifications with some producers being given flexibility to hold cattle to heavier weights.”
Mr Cleland is also encouraging farmers to make the most of the situation and to maximise returns by striving for better technical efficiencies on farm.
“Improving soil fertility, grassland management and genetics are the big drivers of profit on livestock farms and as farmers we can all do more to help ourselves.”
