Irish Cattle Kill Falls 11% as Prices Stabilise
Irish Cattle Throughput Down 11% as Beef Prices Hold Firm
Lower levels of cattle processing in the second half of 2025 have contributed to a stabilisation in Irish cattle numbers. Slaughter throughput remains notably subdued at the start of 2026.
To date, 114,900 cattle have been processed, representing a reduction of 18,182 head (11%) compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, throughput is lower year on year across all cattle categories. Processors report a broadly balanced supply and demand dynamic, despite reduced kill levels at major plants.
Processor quotes remain largely unchanged week on week. Steer quotes are generally in the region of €7.00–€7.10/kg. In addition, heifer starting prices are reported at €7.10–€7.20/kg. Quality R-grade cows are being quoted at €6.80–€6.90/kg. O-grade cows are at €6.60–€6.70/kg and P-grade cows between €6.20–€6.30/kg.
Price data for the week ending 24 January shows the average R3 steer price increased by 2c to €7.10/kg. This places Irish prices 28c/kg behind the UK, where the equivalent price stands at €7.38/kg. Notably, UK beef prices have eased by the equivalent of 16c/kg since late November.
European markets have shown a more positive tone. The average reported price for R3 grading young bulls held at €7.30/kg. As a result, European prices have remained ahead of Irish prices for six consecutive weeks. Currently, the difference stands at around 20c/kg.
In 2025, the EU and UK each accounted for 48% of Irish beef exports. This underlines their continued influence on Irish beef demand and pricing.
Source: Bord Bia | Cattle Trade & Prices | 5 February 2026
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