Irish Cattle & Beef Market Update
Beef Market Update: Throughput and Prices
Throughput
There were 35,717 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the week ending April 12th, 2025, taking throughput for the year to date to 540,634 head. This represents an increase of 11,183 head or 3% compared to the corresponding period in 2024, when a total of 529,451 cattle were processed. In the first 15 weeks of 2025, 405,910 prime cattle were processed, marking a 1.8% increase from the same period last year.
However, there has been a change in the slaughter mix, with a notable decline in the young bull kill early in 2025, which has now evened out to similar levels as this week in 2024. Steer and heifer throughput has dropped slightly in comparison to 2024. Cow throughput has remained strong, with 99,507 cows processed so far this year, up by 13% from 2024 levels.
Prices
Quotes from major processors have continued to trend upward, reflecting a balance between supply and demand currently in favour of producers. This week saw the trade levelling off. Base quotes this week are in the region of €7.60-€7.70/kg for steers, while starting quotes for heifers are €7.70/kg to €7.80/kg.
The trade for the smaller numbers of young bulls on offer remains steady, with €7.60-€7.80/kg available for U grading animals under 24 months of age, and flat prices as high as €7.90/kg available for R grading bulls.
Well-fleshed O grading cows are being quoted at €7.00/kg, with €7.25/kg available for good quality R grading cows. A significant proportion of the cow kill have achieved a conformation score of P in recent months, and the prices available for these animals vary significantly based on grade, weight, and quality.
For the week ending April 12th, 2025, the average price paid by Irish beef processors for R3 steers increased by 6c/kg to €7.73/kg. This was 195c/kg ahead of the corresponding week in 2024. The reported R3 heifer during the week ending April 6th, 2025, increased by 26c/kg to €7.68/kg, placing it 193c/kg ahead of the corresponding week in 2024.
EU and UK Prices
European young bull prices have held strong for all of 2025 so far. The average reported price for R3 grading young bulls was €6.37/kg (excluding VAT) for the week ending April 12th, 2025. This is 125c/kg ahead of the same week last year. Tighter cattle supplies and firm demand have meant deadweight beef prices in the UK have remained strong. This week, the average R3 steer price decreased by 24c/kg to €7.23/kg for the week ending April 12th, 2025.
