FARMING UNIONS BULLISH ABOUT BEEF AND LAMB MARKETS

Representatives from the UK Farming Unions and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) have met in Belfast this week to discuss a number of issues concerning livestock market conditions. 

The viewpoint was that while both beef and lamb supplies remain short across the UK and Ireland, demand and market conditions remain stable and positive. The group believes that this should ensure that prices will be strong throughout the remainder of 2009 and producers are well placed to demand appropriate prices for their livestock over the coming months. 

Speaking after the Belfast meeting, NFU Scotland’s Livestock Committee Chairman and Borders livestock farmer, Rob Livesey said: 

“Having sat down with fellow producers from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Eire, the general consensus was that producers should take much-needed confidence from the current beef and lamb market situation and the positive outlook for the rest of the year.  A prolonged period of confidence and profitability is needed if we are to halt the steep fall in the numbers of sheep and cattle being kept. 

“Scotland is not alone in facing this issue and this meeting highlighted that livestock numbers are down right across the UK and Ireland and a similar scenario is being seen within the rest of Europe.  This is at a time when consumer demand for beef and lamb is remarkably steady. 

“Following the meeting with colleagues from the UK and Ireland, we want to put a clear message out to producers that they should take encouragement from current market conditions, continue to sell their livestock strongly and be prepared to negotiate for higher prices.”