Irish cattle trade: tighter supplies lift quotes; R3 steer hits €7.56/kg
Week ending 2 August 2025 — Ireland | Irish cattle supplies tightened again, pushing factory quotes higher across the board. Total throughput reached 25,471 head, up 915 head week-on-week but 28% below the same week last year (32,451). Year-to-date, overall kill is 4% behind 2024, with cow throughput down 15% amid herd contraction and earlier heavy culling.
Factory quotes (this week)
-
Steers: €7.50–€7.60/kg base.
-
Heifers: €7.60–€7.70/kg base.
-
Young bulls (U <16 months): €7.80–€7.90/kg.
-
Cows: P and O grades €7.10–€7.20/kg; R grades €7.30–€7.40/kg (price varies with fat score, weight and quality).
Deadweight prices
-
R3 steer average: €7.56/kg, up 8c/kg w/w, back to May levels.
-
UK comparison: latest UK R3 steer €7.44/kg, 12c/kg below the Irish equivalent (a sharp reversal from February, when the UK led by €1.17/kg).
-
EU R3 young bull average: €6.76/kg, around 80c/kg below Irish R3 steer. (Prices exclude VAT; include bonuses.)
Live exports
Firm demand continues amid tighter EU supplies and some bluetongue-related movement limits. 298,514 head exported up to 26 July, +12% year-on-year (~+33,000). Calf exports top 220,000 (+14% vs 2024). Weanling/store trade is also higher, with strong pull from NI, Spain, Eastern Europe and North Africa.
Market take
Reduced availability and stronger competition for stock are underpinning the trade. With quotes trending up and exports firm, finishers with fit cattle are in a stronger position, while processors face tighter procurement in the short term.
Source: Bord Bia — Cattle Trade & Prices (week ending 2 August). Bord Bia
