Irish Beef Production Forecast to Drop by 4% in 2026

Ireland’s prime beef production is projected to decrease by 4% in 2026, according to the latest outlook from Teagasc, the national agriculture and food development authority.

The forecast is based on a significant reduction in the number of young cattle in the supply pipeline compared to the previous year.

This trend of a shrinking breeding herd is not confined to Ireland, with similar patterns emerging across the European Union and in the United Kingdom. The tighter supply is expected to support prices, with Teagasc forecasting a 5% increase in the average price for finished cattle in 2026.

The report highlights the long-term nature of beef production cycles, where decisions made by farmers today have a delayed impact on the market. The current decline in cattle numbers is a result of breeding decisions made over the past couple of years, and it will take time for the herd to rebuild.

Source: Agriland / Teagasc

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

Over €47 Million Paid to Farmers Under Irish Suckler Scheme

The Irish government has announced that payments totalling €47.06 million have been issued to participants in the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP).

The scheme, which is designed to improve the environmental sustainability of the national suckler herd, has seen a high level of engagement from farmers across the country.

These payments are part of a broader package of support for the Irish beef sector, with a total of €79 million issued in the past ten days across three different beef-related schemes.

The SCEP payments provide a welcome financial boost to suckler farmers and underscore the government’s commitment to supporting the sector’s transition to more climate-friendly practices.

Source: Gov.ie

Published: 5 December 2025

Bluetongue Case in Northern Ireland Prompts Market Access Concerns

The confirmation of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) in a herd in County Down has raised significant concerns for the livestock industry in Northern Ireland.

Concerns are rising regarding bluetongue Northern Ireland market access. Two cases of the virus have been confirmed, with dozens more suspected in the same herd, leading to the implementation of a 20km Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) around the affected farm.

The outbreak has caused immediate trade disruptions, as the movement of animals from within the TCZ is restricted. The Livestock & Meat Commission (LMC) has stated that maintaining market access for beef and lamb producers is a top priority and is working to help farmers navigate the complex requirements of the control measures.

While the BTV-3 virus does not pose a threat to human health, it can have a severe impact on animal welfare and farm productivity. The National Sheep Association has called for clear communication and a coordinated approach to manage the outbreak, which may include vaccination and carefully controlled animal movements. The situation is being closely monitored by veterinary authorities.

Source: Meat Management

Published: 5 December 2025 Original story

Irish Processors Face Squeeze as Livestock Numbers Fall

The Irish meat processing sector is bracing for a significant challenge as the number of cattle and sheep available for slaughter is set to fall sharply in 2025. Industry estimates suggest that factories will process over 200,000 fewer cattle and more than 500,000 fewer sheep this year.

The decline in sheep numbers is particularly acute, compounding a significant drop that already occurred in 2024. This tightening of supply is creating a surplus of processing capacity within the industry, raising concerns about the operational efficiency and profitability of meat plants across the country.

The situation in Ireland mirrors challenges seen in other major meat-producing nations, where supply chain disruptions and changing herd dynamics are putting pressure on processors. The reduction in available livestock is expected to have a significant impact on the entire supply chain, from farmers to exporters.

Source: Irish Farmers Journal / FarmersJournal.ie

Published: 5 December 2025 Original story

UK Eases Restrictions on Spanish Pork Imports

The UK has eased Spanish pork imports ASF restrictions, adopting a regionalised control approach that permits pork from unaffected regions while maintaining biosecurity safeguards.

The initial ban was put in place after an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) was reported in Spain, the first in over three decades.

The revised restrictions, which align with the European Union’s own regionalisation strategy, will allow pork to be imported from Spanish regions that are certified as free from the disease.

However, the ban will remain in effect for products originating from the area around Barcelona, where the ASF cases were confirmed in wild boar.

This decision will be welcomed by many in the food industry, as Spain is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of pork.

The situation is being closely monitored, but the move to a regionalised system is a significant step in managing the trade implications of the animal health issue while protecting the UK’s biosecurity.

Source: The Pig Site

Published: 4 December 2025

Original story

UK Beef Prices Stabilise as Consumers Seek Value

The rapid rise in UK beef prices appears to be levelling off, according to the latest market data.

While year-on-year inflation for beef and veal remains high at 27%, the monthly increase has slowed significantly, suggesting that prices may be reaching a plateau.

The high prices have had a clear impact on consumer behaviour, with a 7.4% decline in the volume of beef purchased compared to last year.

However, more recent figures show a slight recovery in volumes, indicating that shoppers are beginning to adjust to the new price reality. This adjustment has been accompanied by a noticeable shift in purchasing habits, with consumers increasingly opting for more budget-friendly cuts.

Sales of diced and stewing beef have seen a significant uptick in the latest reporting period, as have convenient and often more affordable options like ready-to-cook meals. In contrast, more expensive cuts such as roasting joints have seen a decline in volumes, although there has been a recent seasonal increase in the run-up to Christmas. The trend suggests that while consumers are still buying beef, they are making more considered choices to manage their household budgets.

Source: Euromeatnews / AHDB

Brazilian Beef Recalled from EU Supermarkets Over Banned Hormones

A significant quantity of Brazilian beef has been recalled from supermarkets across the European Union following the discovery of banned growth-promoting hormones.

The recall has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the EU’s import control systems and the safety of beef sourced from the South American nation.

The incident has prompted calls for a thorough review of the EU’s trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, of which Brazil is a key member. Critics argue that the current safeguards are inadequate to prevent non-compliant products from entering the European market. The recall is a major blow to the reputation of the Brazilian beef industry and is likely to lead to increased scrutiny of its production standards.

Source: RTE Published: 2 December 2025

UK Pork Exports See Q3 Dip While Imports Remain Stable

The UK’s pork export market experienced a notable downturn in the third quarter of 2025, with September marking the lowest monthly export volume since the start of the year.

According to data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), a 9% decrease in export volumes compared to the second quarter was driven by a reduction in shipments to key markets, including China and Ireland.

Despite the quarterly slowdown, the broader picture for the year remains more positive, with year-to-date export volumes still showing a 3% increase compared to the same period last year. This suggests that strong performance in the first half of the year has helped to offset the more recent dip.

On the other side of the trade equation, pork imports into the UK have held steady. While import volumes have been stable, the year-to-date figures indicate a 4% overall decrease, putting them at their lowest level for this period since 2021. The complex interplay of global demand, trade relationships, and domestic production continues to shape the UK’s pork market.

Source: Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)

Record UK Beef Price Hikes Force Supermarket Strategy Shift

UK beef prices have surged by a record 27.4% over the past year, the largest increase since records began in 1988, forcing a strategic rethink from food producers and supermarkets.

This dramatic price rise is a result of a ‘perfect storm’ of factors, including a 6% drop in cattle slaughter, taking UK beef production to a 10-year low.

Global factors such as US droughts and disease in Mexican cattle, combined with domestic pressures like higher feed costs and wage inflation, have all contributed to the price pressure. In response, consumer demand has shifted, with beef burger consumption falling 12% while demand for cheaper proteins like minced pork has risen by 35%. Supermarkets are reportedly adapting by increasing their focus on more affordable chicken-based ready meals.

Source: Farming Online

Published: 24 November 2025