Macra reiterates call for bull beef support at meeting

Speaking following the Beef Taskforce meeting held on June 3, where beef processor representatives were present, Macra na Feirme national president John Keane, said the sector needs ambition for the future of young beef farmers, coupled with action on the delivery of initiatives that provide multiple dividends.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Jun 2021, 12:00 BST

One such initiative 
that Macra has called on since the establishment of the Beef Taskforce is the 
development of the full potential of bull beef production.

Despite the strong credentials of bull beef to both meet climate ambition and to protect the Irish suckler sector, bull beef continues to receive little support from processors or promotional campaigns.

Mr Keane called on processors “to take the lead on this issue and give confidence to bull beef farmers by providing a QPS bonus along with investing in market development”.

He said: “Bull beef should have a bonus structure on a par with prime steers and heifers.

“I urge processors to support a future for bull beef which provides both an environmental and on farm efficiency dividend.”

Macra also welcomed the proposed engagement by the Taskforce with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the European Commission Meat Market Observatory to shed light on fair competition and international data collection for greater comparison and transparency in the beef market.