11 Jul 2025
Irish Cattle Throughput Rises Slightly as Prices Hold Firm
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Irish Cattle Throughput Rises Slightly as Prices Hold Firm Across Categories
July 7, 2025 | Meatex News Desk
The latest figures from Ireland’s Department of Agriculture show a modest increase in cattle throughput for the year to date, with 869,587 head processed in DAFM-approved plants by the week ending 28 June 2025. This marks a 5,758 head increase over the same period in 2024.
Throughput Trends
- Prime cattle numbers reached 656,185 head, up 1.8% year-on-year.
- Young bull slaughter declined earlier in the year but has now stabilised to 2024 levels.
- Steer and cow throughput have both dropped, with 197,223 cows processed, down 23,000 head from last year.
- The shortfall has been offset by increased heifer throughput.
Beef Prices
- Steers: €7.10–€7.20/kg
- Heifers: €7.20–€7.30/kg
- Young bulls (U grade, <16 months): €7.10–€7.30/kg, with flat prices up to €7.40/kg for R grades
- O grade cows: €6.90/kg
- R grade cows: €7.00/kg
- R3 steers: average price €7.23/kg
- R3 heifers: average price €7.28/kg (down 3c/kg from previous week)
Prices exclude VAT but include bonuses such as in-spec and breed-based premiums.
EU and UK Market Comparison
- EU R3 young bulls averaged €6.23/kg, up €1.15/kg from 2024.
- UK R3 steer prices remained strong at €7.15/kg, reflecting tight supply and firm demand.
