Irish Beef Plants Scale Back as Cattle Numbers Fall
Processors Squeezed as Irish Cattle Availability Declines
Ireland’s beef processing sector is scaling back operations as cattle availability continues to tighten, forcing major processors to reduce throughput and, in some cases, cut jobs. This trend has become increasingly apparent as Irish beef processors cut capacity in response to supply challenges.
According to reporting by Farmers Journal, leading processors including Kepak and ABP have reduced operational capacity in response to a sustained decline in cattle numbers. The supply squeeze has increased pressure on plants already facing higher costs and margin constraints.
The contraction reflects structural changes in the Irish cattle herd, with lower numbers coming through to slaughter following years of reduced suckler cow retention and changing farm economics. Processors are now competing more aggressively for available stock, pushing procurement costs higher.
For farmers, however, the tighter supply dynamic has delivered a positive price outcome, with cattle prices strengthening as processors bid to secure numbers. Industry observers note that while this supports farm incomes in the short term, the imbalance raises concerns about long term processing capacity and employment within the sector.
Source: Farmers Journal | 25 January 2026
Read full article Share on X