Irish Cattle Prices Ease Despite Tight Beef Supplies
Irish Cattle Prices Ease Despite Tight Supplies, Says AHDB
Irish cattle prices came under pressure through February and March, despite prime cattle slaughter remaining well below year earlier levels, according to AHDB.
AHDB said Irish prime cattle values fell for seven consecutive weeks during February and March, before steadying in recent weeks. Steers averaged 581p/kg in the week beginning 20 April, while the price gap with Great Britain widened to 47p/kg in the week beginning 27 April.
The fall in prices came despite continued supply constraints. Irish cattle kill, excluding calves, totalled 552,300 head in the 18 weeks to 27 April, down 13% on the same period last year. AHDB said tighter supplies are expected to remain a feature of the market through the rest of 2026.
Trade flows have also shifted. Irish imports of fresh and frozen beef rose nearly 70% in January and February to 6,800 tonnes, with the UK supplying more than 90% of that volume. Over the same period, Irish fresh and frozen beef exports fell 13% to 54,600 tonnes, with lower volumes reported to key markets including the UK, France and the Netherlands.
AHDB said Irish prices may now be more competitive against both Great Britain and continental Europe, which could support demand later in the year. However, beef price inflation in the UK and EU remains a key risk for consumer purchasing and overall beef demand.
Source: AHDB | 7 May 2026
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