Irish Cattle & Beef Market Update
Strong Throughput and Rising Prices Define Irish Beef Sector
Ireland’s beef industry continues to show resilience in early 2025, with cattle throughput and prices trending upward. According to the latest data from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), 31,590 cattle were processed in approved plants during the week ending March 22nd, 2025, bringing the year-to-date total to 430,397 head—a 3% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Prime Cattle Trends
Of the total processed, 323,157 were prime cattle, marking a 2.6% year-on-year increase. However, the slaughter mix has shifted:
- Young bull numbers declined early in the year but have now stabilized.
- Steer and heifer throughput dipped slightly compared to 2024.
- Cow throughput surged, with 99,507 cows processed, up 13% year-on-year.
Beef Prices Continue to Climb
Irish beef prices remain strong, reflecting a favorable balance between supply and demand. Key price highlights for the week ending March 22nd, 2025:
- Steers and heifers: Base quotes range from €7.30 to €7.40/kg.
- Young bulls (U grading, under 24 months): Steady at €7.30–€7.40/kg, with R grading bulls fetching up to €7.50/kg.
- O grading cows: Quoted at €6.80/kg.
- R grading cows: Up to €7.00/kg, depending on quality.
A notable portion of the cow kill has achieved P conformation scores, with prices varying based on grade, weight, and quality.
Weekly Price Movements
- R3 steers: Increased by 32c/kg to €7.12/kg, up €1.95/kg from the same week in 2024.
- R3 heifers: Rose by 16c/kg to €7.15/kg, up €1.93/kg year-on-year.
Note: Prices exclude VAT but include all bonus payments such as in-spec bonuses and breed-based producer group incentives.
EU and UK Market Comparison
- EU R3 young bulls: Averaged €6.31/kg, up €1.25/kg from 2024.
- UK R3 steers: Reached €8.01/kg, reflecting tight supply and strong demand.
Conclusion
The Irish beef market is experiencing a robust start to 2025, with increased throughput and rising prices across all categories. Tight supply conditions and strong demand both domestically and internationally are driving this upward trend, positioning Irish producers favorably in the global beef trade.
