On page 27, the latest UK data shows that the Irish share of UK beef imports in February was 16% lower than in February last year, with New Zealand and Australia picking up most of this.

The trend over recent months has been for Ireland to supply less than 66% of UK beef imports, whereas it had previously been 75% or higher.

Of course there is nothing we can do about UK trade policy.

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Irish beef producers will also have to live with extra competition in the EU market as the Mercosur trade deal comes into effect.

Over the coming months, overall scarcity of supply in Europe and the United States, combined with strong global demand for beef, should help protect the beef price paid to Irish farmers.