IFA national livestock chair Brendan Golden said beef prices had strengthened last week.

He said steers were making €3.75/kg to €3.80/kg, with heifers between €3.80/kg and €3.85/kg in most factories. There are deals above these levels available for larger lots and Angus cattle.

Golden said market demand is strong, driven by the high volumes of beef sales in supermarkets. Supplies are predicted to remain tight.

He added that the cow price had also strengthened this week, and is ranging from €3.00/kg to €3.40/kg, depending on grade.

Young bull prices have also risen in the past week and are ranging in general from €3.60/kg to €3.80/kg for O/R and U grades.

Golden said that while there is uncertainty around some logistical issues and access to the UK market, demand is strong and beef prices must push on and reflect market conditions.

“Market returns to beef farmers remain a long way off the breakeven price of €4.50/kg and this is not sustainable,” he said.

Brexit has directly affected beef farmers since the vote was taken in 2016, primarily through the sterling fluctuation, and this must be addressed in the €1.05bn Brexit Adjustment Reserve announced for Ireland.

Golden concluded that beef farmers must be first in line for strong and meaningful supports, without pre-conditions.

IFA sheep chair Sean Dennehy has called on the Minister for Heritage Malcolm Noonan to immediately co-ordinate a national taskforce to tackle the ongoing issue of dog attacks on farms.

He made the call following several fatal attacks on sheep flocks around the country in recent weeks.

“The stories I have heard are horrific. In one instance, an animal was decapitated by a dog. The Government must act to hold irresponsible dog owners to account.

“We met the minister before Christmas and raised the enforcement of existing regulations on dog control, including microchipping.

“He agreed to initiate engagements with the relevant agencies to strengthen controls for dog ownership and better enforcement of existing obligations on owners. This must happen immediately.

“We are only in the first week of 2021, and I know of at least three instances of dog attacks. There are far too many dog owners not taking the responsibility that goes with owning a pet. Dog owners must have their dog under control at all times.”

Dennehy said dog attacks remain a significant problem and can devastate the farmers whose sheep suffer an attack.

There are 2.6m ewes on 34,000 sheep farms around the country. “They will be lambing down in the coming months, so they are particularly vulnerable at this time of year,” he said.

The IFA sheep chair warned dog owners who do not have their dog under control at all times to realise they can be held responsible for such attacks, with severe financial and legal consequences.

Dennehy said there must be better enforcement of existing legislation around dog ownership, more stringent fines for dog attacks, increased funding for the dog warden service and a single database for microchipped dogs. All farm animals are fully traceable, and dogs should be too.