Monaghan IFA has established a beef producer group, open to all farmers in the area, primarily aimed at improving relations between factories and local suppliers.

Oriel Beef Producer Group has an agreement in place with Liffey Meats in Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, and has been supplying cattle to the processor since late September, the Irish Farmers Journal can reveal.

The IFA has said that the new venture will serve as a pilot project, with aspirations to introduce a national group in the coming months, following analysis of the pilot.

Desired animal

“Last week, we had a discussion with the QA manager in the factory. This allows us to take on the feedback and alter our supply to suit the animal that they want,” group chair Michael Flood told the Irish Farmers Journal.

“The processor has told us that Angus is the desired animal, though our group will accept all kinds of beef. They also told us that there are times of year they pay over the mark and the group will know when this is the case.”

Monaghan IFA has said it is examining the Glanbia–Kepak dairy calves’ agreement and is in talks with Lakeland Dairies to establish a similar model, linking beef and dairy farmers on purchasing calves.

Coffee over picketing

Monaghan IFA chair Frank Brady told the Irish Farmers Journal that the organisation, on a national level, has invested heavily in the project.

“We’d much prefer to have a cup of coffee with the procurement manager than standing outside factory gates blocking up roads.”