Sean Canney concerned over Beef prices

I have raised concerns over continuing low beef prices with both IFA and Minister Michael Creed during meetings in Dublin this week.
On Tuesday, I met with the Agriculture Minister in Leinster House and raised concerns over the difficulties that low beef prices are causing for family farmers all across the west.
‘In recent weeks many beef farmers have been in contact with me raising concerns over the continuing low prices being paid for beef, particularly in relation to lighter cattle. I raised this issue with Minister Creed during a meeting in the Dáil on Tuesday evening.
‘He recognises that there is an issue and informed me that he is trying to source other markets to help underpin prices and is this week meeting with Egyptian representatives to see if further markets could be sourced there.
‘I also discussed the matter with local and national IFA representatives during a meeting in Dublin at lunchtime on Wednesday. I met IFA representatives Michael Ryan, Martin Murphy and Rosaleen McDonagh, along with Galway County Chairperson Ann Mitchell and IFA President Joe Healy.
‘We discussed a range of issues at that meeting, including the upcoming budget and measures that farmers feel are a priority, including supports for the suckler herd, as well as beef and sheep prices, low cost loans, renewable energy and VAT on animal vaccinations.
‘We also discussed the issue of greenways in County Galway and a common approach towards the development of greenways in the county. The future of Post Offices in rural Ireland was also discussed.
‘At the briefing, farmers highlighted the present crisis in terms of beef prices, especially the prices being paid for lighter cattle and the enormous challenges facing family farms as a result of unprecedented weather conditions of the last two years.’