Factories Hold Firm as Irish Cattle Prices Ease
Irish Cattle Prices Under Pressure as Factories Adopt Tough Stance
Irish cattle prices have come under renewed pressure at the start of 2026. Meat processors are reported to be taking a “take it or leave it” approach to procurement, despite reduced slaughter numbers.
According to the Irish Examiner, factories have hardened their stance on base prices for steers and heifers in the first trading week of the year. This resulted in a softening of returns for finishers. This shift has surprised some producers given the continued tightness in cattle availability.
Official figures show that the kill in week one of 2026 was almost 8,000 head lower than the same period in 2025. This underlines the ongoing contraction in Irish cattle supplies. Despite this, processors appear confident in holding firm on prices. They cite weak demand signals and challenging market conditions at the opening of the year.
Source article: Irish Examiner | 6 January 2026
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