MEAT factories have hit back at claims that Irish farmers are not receiving the market value for beef exported to Britain, as a stand-off on cattle price gathers pace across the country.
While Irish base prices have hardened to €3.85/kg for bullocks and €3.90/kg for heifers, factories are struggling to secure supplies this week as bigger finishers hold out for €4/kg.
The differential in finished cattle prices between Britain and Ireland, which stands at over €1/kg or around €300/hd, continues to cause difficulties on the ground for meat factories, with finishers convinced that more can and will be paid for beef.