As grass buyers reappeared in force in recent days, the future of winter finishing has become increasingly uncertain with reports factories are attempting to pull prices by 5c/kg.

Prices are running in excess of 50c/kg lower than required for beef finishers to break even, never mind generate a margin.

IFA national livestock chair Angus Woods says finishers are facing financial ruin.

“There was little or no margin in it last year and, with prices 25c/kg or over €100/head lower this year, finishers are facing financial ruin”.

Woods is calling on Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to insist that the Brexit compensation package currently being negotiated with the EU be applied retrospectively.