Marketing and pricing issues relating to beef and lamb were thoroughly discussed recently when the UFU representatives visited Fermanagh to address the County Committee.

Crosby Cleland, Chairman of the UFU Beef and Lamb Committee and Elliott Bell, Policy Officer, also took time for a visit to Charlie Moore’s farm at the Coagh, Shore Road, Enniskillen.

Accompanied by Fermanagh County Chairman, David Brown, the visitors saw Charlie’s excellent farm management and admired the breathtaking views over Lower Lough Erne and especially Devenish Island.

Charlie runs a suckler and beef herd as well as a sheep flock and also grows a quantity of cereals.

Among the issues discussed was the low prices for locally produced lamb this season and especially as New Zealand imports have been commonplace. Charlie was the first to identify that historically New Zealand were given a lamb quota to the EU for whole carcase but they are now sending in prime cuts which command a much higher value. This point has been taken up by farming representatives at the highest level.

Regarding beef, the price differential between Northern Ireland and Great Britain was also raised. Last week the difference was in excess of 30p per kg. The other issue which the UFU is campaigning against is the Red Tractor logo insistence on lifetime assurance of the product which would affect many farmers selling animals in Northern Ireland.

The visitors also discussed renewable energy with Charlie on the farm.