The Irish Farmers Association is demanding strong action to protect the beef industry.
Following the IFA livestock meeting in Tullamore this week on the challenges facing the beef industry, IFA President Joe Healy said based on market returns and the recent positive changes to the sterling exchange rate, the meat factories have an opportunity to increase beef prices.
He said the change in sterling from 89p back to 84p in recent weeks is worth an additional 25c/kg in returns and all of this must be passed back to winter finishers.
Joe Healy pointed out factories were quick to inflict price cuts when sterling weakened following the Brexit vote last summer.
He has called for a stronger Government response to assist exposed sectors like beef.
