Calls for beef producers to receive a greater share of the retail price, following a year-long decline in beef prices, is sure to top the agenda when the NFU’s national livestock board chairman Alistair Macintosh meets Yorkshire farmers next week.
Due in Sheffield on Tuesday 14 September, Mr Mackintosh will attend the next regional livestock board meeting – coming fresh from European level talks about the long-term sustainability of the beef sector.
He has recently joined forces with farming leaders from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to warn that producers are now operating at below the cost of production – a situation that threatens to worsen in the face of rising feed and bedding costs this winter.
“We hear the right signals from the supply chain about the need to secure a long-term future but the short-term approach currently being taken illustrates that the market is failing to deliver,” he said.
“At current prices beef producers will be unable to afford to produce beef this winter and some are starting to seriously question their future in the industry. As a result we must achieve a greater commitment to delivering a sustainable price - this is the only way producers will be persuaded to continue delivering what the market demands.
“I am sure that Yorkshire producers will echo these concerns and my visit to the region will give local NFU members the chance to raise these and other issues as well as finding out first hand how we are working on their behalf.”
Other issues likely to be discussed include ongoing issues with new sheep tagging regulations and how they are being implemented plus the potential for cutting red tape, courtesy of the Farming Regulations Task Force recently announced by the Coalition Government.
The meeting will be held at The Old Horns Inn, High Bradfield, Bradfield, Sheffield S6 6LG on Tuesday 14 September from 7.30pm. All NFU members are welcome. For more information contact NFU senior food and farming adviser Adam Bedford on 01904 451550.
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