Dear editor, when will beef farmers begin to see the true value of the fifth quarter?

The fifth quarter represents 47% of the live weight of the beef animal and has in recent years, significantly increased in value.

This is due to its numerous components being used in the production of high value products in commercial industries such as medical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and confectionery products.

While the processors say that they include its value in the price per kg carcase weight to the farmer, there is considerable disquiet among farmers as to the true market value of the fifth quarter.

In the absence of the true market value of the fifth quarter (47% of live weight) being made known to farmers, I suggest that the office of An Rialálaí Agraibhia (Agri-Food Regulator) should be engaged on this matter.

This is so the true market value of the fifth quarter can be established in the interests of transparency and fairness within our beef processing industry.

From Martin McGarry, Co. Sligo

*The Meat Industry Association of NZ describes the fifth quarter as follows:

"The fifth quarter refers to all of the other parts of an animal that are not meat. These products range from bulk rendered products, such as tallow and meat and bone meal, through to edible offals and high-value ingredients such as blood products and glands for pharmaceutical use."