National Livestock Committee
Achievements and Work Done
Cattle Prices
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2009 was a very difficult year for livestock farmers with cattle prices down an average of
10% (32c/kg or about €112/head).
The Global financial crisis and consumer pressure impacted on beef consumption with a
move away from higher value steak cuts to lower value mince products. Sterling
devaluation and lower EU and international prices also impacted on cattle prices. Despite a
30% sterling devaluation, UK prices fell by 4% in euro terms, French prices were back 8.5%
and German prices down 4%. International prices also fell with Brazil down 12%.
Throughout 2009, IFA highlighted the major cattle price gap between Ireland, UK and EU
cattle prices and applied maximum pressure on processors and retailers to return viable
prices to producers.
IFA initiated a Beef Industry Development Group with the Meat Industry under the
Chairmanship of Paddy Moore to progress quality payments, quality assurance, viable beef
prices, price transparency and benchmarking with UK and EU cattle prices.
Cattle Prices 2007/2008/2009
€/kg
2007
2008
2009
Steers
2.90
3.35
3.03
Heifers
2.94
3.38
3.09
Cows
2.36
2.84
2.49
Cattle Supplies
2007
2008
2009
Total Disposals
1,981
1,804
1,868
Meat Plants
1,691
1,578
1,508
Live Exports
207
146
285
Local Abattoirs
80
80
75
Live Exports
At 285,000 head or a 90% increase, live exports were a real positive factor in the livestock trade
in 2009. Calf exports were up 65,000 head and over 30,000 finished cattle were exported to
Northern Ireland. IFA defended the live export trade at national and EU level, particularly
against unacceptable EU proposals on stocking densities and travel times.
IFA worked hard to initiate and develop the live export trade to Great Britain with over 10,000
cattle shipped.
Quality Payment System
At year end, the beef industry introduced a New Quality Payment System to reward farmers for
higher meat yield cattle that meet the desired fat scores. IFA insisted and secured an additional
bonus payment of 6c/kg or about €20/head for Quality Assurance and under 30 month cattle.
Retail Power
IFA tackled the excessive price discounting of the retailers with a campaign including national
and local protests. IFA also formulated and presented proposals to Government for a Code of
Practice and Supermarket Ombudsman.
Markets
The main market outlets for Irish beef in 2009 were the UK, Italy, France, Holland and
Scandinavia.
Brazil
IFA maintained maximum pressure on maintaining the restrictions on Brazilian beef imports.
IFA highlighted the failure of Brazil to meet EU standards in the 2009 FVO reports and also
continued to pursue the issue in the EU Parliament with the aid of MEPs.
Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme
Over €30m was paid out in SCWS benefits in 2009. A strong IFA campaign protected the
scheme against the Bord Snip report and the Budget, with a €40 per cow payment rate for 2009.
Single Farm Payment
IFA secured a 70% advance of the Single Farm Payment from October 16 th with 120,000
farmers paid over €800m within days.
CAP 2013
IFA made a detailed Submission highlighting the importance of preserving and increasing the
CAP Budget and protecting the historical basis of the Single Farm Payment to active farmers
post 2013.
Budget/Government Cuts
IFA conducted a very strong campaign against the Government Budget cuts targeting REPS
Disadvantage Area Payments and the Suckler cow Welfare Scheme. A number of large
protests were held at national and regional level and the most comprehensive and intense local
lobbying of Government TDs and Politicians was undertaken throughout the year.
Priorities for 2010
Cattle prices
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Maintain strong and viable cattle prices through 2010.
Secure proper and effective cattle price transparency and benchmarking with UK and EU
prices.
Quality Payment System
Implementing a QPS which rewards farmers for quality and the desired market specification
including Quality Assurance.
Live Exports
Maintain a strong live export trade to maximise price competition and market outlets.
Markets
Closing the cattle price gap between Irish UK and EU cattle prices by securing better market
returns back to producers.
Brazil
Maintaining maximum pressure on the EU to implement full EU standards on all beef imports.
Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme
Ensuring the Government honour their commitment to the €250m funding for the SCWS over 5
years.
CAP 2013
Ensuring the historical basis of the Single Farm Payment is properly protected for active
livestock farmers in the CAP 2013 negotiations.
Retail
Developing and implementing IFA policy on retailers at national and EU level in 2011.
Single Farm Payment
Ensuring the full delivery of the SFP to all applicants in the speediest and most effective fashion.
Resolving SFP problem cases and minimising inspection problems.
Michael Doran
Chairman
Kevin Kinsella
Director of Livestock
14th December 2009