Commonages

IFA hill committee chair Flor McCarthy has expressed serious concern at the number of commonage plans still outstanding. He has called on the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to convene the commonage implementation committee to address this urgent matter. The IFA estimates that about 4,000 commonage farmers are still due their final 15% payment for 2017, worth €2.5m.

Support for farmers

Farmers would be disappointed by the majority of co-ops which, so far, have held the June milk price base when market returns justified an increase of at least 1c/l, according to Tom Phelan, IFA national dairy committee chair. As the continued drought cuts next winter’s fodder reserves and reduces current grazing options, co-ops must provide farmers with credit provisions for feed and fertiliser purchases.

Cattle prices

IFA national livestock committee chair Angus Woods said the factories have to stop cutting cattle prices and stabilise the market.

‘‘Despite the increased cow kill, demand for manufacturing beef has remained strong and with up to a 20c/kg difference in prices paid by factories for similar cows, farmers should ensure they are getting the best prices available.’’