Subdued Slaughter Numbers Shape Irish Cattle Trade
Irish Cattle Throughput Down 15% as Prices Hold Steady
Irish cattle throughput remains below last year’s levels, although factory quotes have held broadly steady in recent weeks.
According to the latest update from Bord Bia, 30,906 cattle were processed in the week ending 31 January. Year-to-date throughput stands at 145,806 head, representing a reduction of 26,390 head, or 15%, compared with the same period in 2025.
Lower processing levels in the latter half of 2025 have contributed to a stabilisation in overall cattle numbers on Irish farms. Despite this, presentation for slaughter remains subdued across all categories. Industry feedback suggests that supply and demand dynamics remain relatively balanced at current levels.
Factory quotes are largely unchanged week-on-week. Steers are generally quoted at €7.00–€7.10/kg, with heifer quotes starting at €7.10–€7.20/kg. R-grade cows are reported at €6.80–€6.90/kg, O-grade cows at €6.60–€6.70/kg, and P-grade cows at €6.20–€6.30/kg.
For the week ending 31 January, the average price paid for R3 steers increased by 1c to €7.11/kg. This leaves Irish prices approximately 27c behind the equivalent UK level. Meanwhile, European young bull prices strengthened by 6c to €7.36/kg, marking the seventh consecutive week that EU prices have traded ahead of Ireland, currently by around 25c/kg.
Reported prices exclude VAT but include all bonus payments such as Quality Assurance and breed-based group bonuses.
Source: Bord Bia Cattle Trade & Prices |12 Feb 2026
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