Prime Beef Production in Ireland Forecast to Fall in 2026
Irish prime beef production is forecast to decline by 4% in 2026, according to new outlook figures from Teagasc. This decline occurs as tighter cattle supplies begin to feed through the system. Economists point to a notable reduction in the number of animals aged between 12 and 24 months. Inventories are now well below levels recorded a year earlier.
Despite lower expected output, cattle prices are forecast to strengthen. Teagasc predicts the average finished cattle price will rise by around 5% in 2026. This will take value of an average R3 steer to approximately €795 per 100kg. The outlook reflects continued supply pressure across Ireland’s beef sector alongside steady demand.
In contrast, weanling cattle prices are expected to ease back by around 5% next year. This is due to tighter margins at farm level influencing buying behaviour. Teagasc also forecasts that net margins for single suckling enterprises will decline in 2026 compared with 2025. However, returns are still expected to remain well above historic averages.
Source article:
Agriland – “4% decrease in prime beef production forecast for 2026 – Teagasc” \ 7 December 2025