asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that dairy farmers are finding it very difficult to dispose of small store cattle, at an economic price, which they cannot keep over the winter without reducing their dairy herds, and if he will take steps to find a solution to this problem so as to encourage farmers to continue producing cattle.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Store Cattle.
While export prices for fat and store cattle are at a very high level, it is quite true to say that smaller animals are difficult to dispose of and the price when sale is effected seems poor by comparison. We all have an idea of the factors which contribute to this position, but I do not know of any action I could take to alter this state of affairs.