Producer-paid prices, events & useful information

The aim of this page is to update past clients and potentially-interested parties of the current agricultural situation in France, to impart any general advice and to inform of any new developments and schemes available to farmers here in France, plus any forthcoming events.

Producer-paid prices

Latest producer-paid prices furnished by CELMAR, Central France's most dynamic cattle & sheep co-operative, for the week commencing "30 june 2008

Cattle (Limousins)
Finished stock :
Young cow
3.76 €/kg
(<66 months at slaughter, carcass wt 340-400kg, Grade U-)
Cull cow
3.56 €/kg
(<9 years at slaughter, carcass wt 340-400kg, Grade U-)
Maiden "heavy" heifer
4.01 €/kg
(>28 months at slaughter, carcass wt 340-380kg, Grade U-)
Steers
3.39 €/kg
(14-18 months at slaughter, carcass wt <350kg, Grade U+)
Steers
3.26 €/kg
(14-18 months at slaughter, carcass wt <400kg, Grade U+)
Stores :
Bullocks
2.48 €/kg
(+/- 300kg live wt)
(premium of 0.15€/kg if < 9 months old)
Heifers
2.42 €/kg
(+/- 280kg live wt)
(premium of 0.15€/kg if & 9 months old)
Lambs
5.15 €/kg
(premium quality)
Events
8-9-10 October 2007
Introduction to Agriculture at the CFPPA Ahun. An introductory course (and completely free of charge) aimed at those looking to establish on a farm in the Creuse.
4-6 October 2007
www.sommet-elevage.fr
Sommet d'Elevage, Clermont Ferrand
Open Day at CELMAR (beef & sheep co-operative), at Malonze, La Souterraine (Creuse)
Useful Information

In an interview (30 june 2008) the eve of France assuming the EU presidency President Sarkozy confirmed his position of "standing firm" behind Europe's farmers and calling for a "relevelling" of the playing field in WTO talks where he believes Europe has already given away too much. Expect some fireworks with EU commissioner Peter Mandelson !

The government has improved the 50% tax relief measure available to young farmers for the first 5 years by increasing the relief to 100% in year 1, as well as maintaining the 50% relief for the following 4 years. Bravo les français - easy to see where farmers are appreciated !

Credit Agricole Centre Ouest (Limoges) bank rates as at 17 Sept 2007 :
Mortgages on property :
20 years - 5.70%
15 years - 5.65%
Loan against purchase of machinery (5 or 7 year loan) 4.70%
Overdrafts - 16 k € O/D 7.80%

Finally, a bit of practical information, as from 1 July 2007 all cars must be equipped with a highly-visible jacket for the driver, plus a warning triangle for use in the event of a breakdown or accident. Get equipped or you might get fined !