Beef farmers could be losing up to €168 per head due to the lack of accuracy on mechanical beef grading machines in meat plants, according to Roscommon East Galway TD Denis Naughten.
Figures obtained by the Independent TD on the accuracy of beef grading machines show that department inspectors have found machines to be out by a factor of at least 10% on 119 occasions over the last 18 months
Deputy Naughten says that this incorrect grading is having a significant impact on the payment received by farmers.
He says if a grading machine is out by at least two subcategories this could see farmers getting €168/head less than they should for their cattle.
