Irish Cattle Trade & Prices Update: Current Status and Outlook
Irish Cattle Throughput and Prices Update
Throughput
Last week, 34,236 cattle were processed in DAFM-approved plants, showing a slight increase from the previous week. Year-to-date (YTD) cattle throughput is currently 3% lower than the same period last year, standing at 132,585 head. This decline is attributed to a contraction in cattle numbers and a robust export trade, with tight numbers expected to persist throughout 2025.
Average carcase weights continue to trend below previous years due to a challenging grass-growing season and an increasing dairy influence on the prime cattle kill. This downward trend in average carcase weights is expected to continue in the short to medium term, as calf registrations to suckler cows decline and the number of beef-sired calves from the dairy herd increases.
Prices
This week saw a lift in base quotes at Irish meat plants due to tighter supplies. Producers were generally offered a base price of €6.00/kg for steers, with reports of up to €6.05/kg available. Starting quotes for heifers are around €6.10/kg, with similar room for negotiation.
The trade for young bulls remains steady, with prices ranging from €6.40/kg to €6.50/kg for R grading animals under 24 months of age. The cow trade is also relatively steady, with well-fleshed O+ grading suckler cows fetching prices of €5.20-5.30/kg, while O grading dairy cows are priced between €5.05-5.15/kg. A significant proportion of the cow kill has achieved a conformation score of P, with prices varying based on grade, weight, and quality.
For the week ending 26th January 2025, the average price paid by Irish beef processors for R3 steers increased to €5.92/kg, which is 63c/kg higher than the corresponding week in 2023 when the price was €5.13/kg. Reported prices exclude VAT but include all bonus payments such as in-spec bonuses and breed-based producer groups.
EU and UK Prices
Across the EU, the average reported price for R3 grading young bulls was €5.71/kg (excluding VAT) for the week ending 26th January 2025, which is 57c higher than Week 1 of 2023 when prices averaged €5.14/kg.
In the UK, tighter cattle supplies and firm demand have led to continued firming of deadweight beef prices. This week, the average UK R3 steer price increased by 12c/kg to €6.93/kg.
