Irish Cattle Trade & Prices – Week Ending 12 May 2024

The latest update confirms that Irish cattle trade & prices May 2024 remain steady, with supplies continuing to rise.

Throughput

During the week ending 12 May 2024, DAFM-approved plants processed 30,743 cattle, pushing total throughput for the year to 660,140 head. That figure represents a 3% increase (18,633 head) compared with the same period in 2023, when 641,507 cattle were processed. Prime cattle accounted for 470,841 head in the first 19 weeks of 2024, up 3% or 11,950 head year-on-year. Meanwhile, cow throughput reached 160,852 head, a sharp 10% increase (+19,053 head), underlining strong demand for cull cows.

Prices

Prime cattle supplies have stabilised, and processors reflected this with steady but firmer base quotes last week. Current offers stand at €5.15/kg for steers and €5.20/kg for heifers. Young bulls remain steady, with €5.30–5.40/kg available for R grading animals under 24 months.

The cow trade continues to perform well despite increased throughput. O grading cows averaged €4.60/kg, while top-quality R grading cows secured €4.70–€4.80/kg. Prices for P-grade cows varied widely depending on weight and quality. For the week ending 12 May 2024, the average R3 steer price increased by 1c to €5.22/kg, just 6c below the same week in 2023 (€5.28/kg). Reported prices exclude VAT but include bonuses such as in-spec and breed premiums.

EU & UK Prices

Across Europe, R3 young bull prices averaged €5.01/kg for week ending 12 May 2024, identical to the same week last year. In the UK, tighter cattle supplies and strong demand supported firm returns. The average R3 steer price rose 4c to €5.72/kg, equivalent to £4.91/kg.

With supply increases and steady demand, the Irish cattle trade & prices May 2024 report highlights continued resilience in both domestic and export markets.

Bord Bia 

The latest figures show that Irish sheep trade prices April 2024 remain firm as supplies tighten. Major processors increased base quotes for hoggets this week. Offers ranged from €9.20/kg to €9.40/kg, including the Quality Assurance (QA) bonus. In addition, small numbers of spring lambs entered Irish processing plants, with €10/kg plus QA bonus available.

The deadweight trade continues to strengthen. Tighter supplies of suitable hoggets are driving demand, while spring lambs have been slower to reach the market. As a result, competition remains strong across all processing plants.

The supply situation is not limited to Ireland. In the UK, hogget throughput has fallen 5% behind 2023 levels. Reports suggest many ewe lambs originally held back for breeding are now being processed instead. Meanwhile, EU forecasts show a 2% decline in throughput for the first half of 2024. This represents a reduction of 580,000 head in the European sheep kill. Consequently, traders expect tighter supplies until the 2024 lamb crop arrives in significant numbers.

Prices

For the week ending 28 April 2024, Irish reported prices for lamb increased to €9.43/kg. That figure marks a 23c rise compared with the previous week. In the same week of 2023, prices averaged €7.32/kg.

The UK trade also performed well. In mainland GB, spring lamb returned €9.92/kg, up 8c. In Northern Ireland, prices improved to €9.60/kg, a rise of 27c. Southern Hemisphere products remain more affordable. Australian lamb stood at €4.14/kg, while New Zealand recorded €3.42/kg, keeping them competitive in EU markets even with shipping costs.

Throughput

DAFM-approved Irish plants processed 34,712 sheep for the week ending 28 April 2024. That was slightly lower than the same week last year. Year-to-date throughput reached 840,150 head, down 10% from 2023. Hogget kill accounted for 750,662 head, which is 8% behind last year. Ewe and ram throughput fell by 10% to 81,026 head, while 7,327 spring lambs have been processed so far this season.

Overall, tight supplies and firm demand are keeping Irish sheep trade prices April 2024 at strong levels, with limited availability shaping both domestic and export markets.

 

Bord Bia

Also:

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e April 28th 2024

Irish Sheep Trade Prices – Week Ending 13 April 2024

The latest figures show that Irish sheep trade prices April 2024 continue to rise. Major processors lifted base quotes for hoggets this week. Offers now range from 900c/kg to 930c/kg, including the Quality Assurance (QA) bonus. In addition, small volumes of spring lambs entered Irish plants, with 960c/kg plus QA bonus on offer.

The deadweight trade remains firm. Tight supplies of finished hoggets are driving prices upwards. Spring lambs are only beginning to come forward, which adds further pressure on the market.

The supply challenge extends beyond Ireland. In the UK, hogget throughput so far this year is five per cent lower than 2023. Reports indicate that many ewe lambs, once destined for breeding, are now moving into processing. Meanwhile, the EU supply forecast shows a two per cent decline in throughput for the first half of 2024. This reduction equals around 580,000 head fewer sheep. Therefore, supplies are expected to remain tight until the new season lamb crop becomes available in larger numbers.

Prices

Stronger demand ahead of Easter and Ramadan has combined with limited supply. As a result, the Irish deadweight trade has strengthened significantly in 2024. For the week ending 13 April 2024, reported prices rose to 877c/kg. That was a 7c increase on the previous week. In the same week of 2023, the average stood at 705c/kg.

In Great Britain, spring lamb prices reached 993c/kg, up 25c. In Northern Ireland, returns climbed to 870c/kg, an increase of 13c. However, Southern Hemisphere prices remain lower. Australian lamb averaged 398c/kg, while New Zealand reached 342c/kg. This keeps imports from both regions highly competitive in EU markets, even after freight costs.

Throughput

For the week ending 13 April 2024, DAFM-approved plants processed 45,971 sheep. That figure was slightly behind the same week in 2023. Year-to-date throughput now totals 770,908 head, which is five per cent lower than last year. Hogget kill reached 693,854 head, down three per cent. Meanwhile, ewe and ram throughput declined by 7% to 73,678 head. Only 3,323 spring lambs have been processed so far, though numbers are expected to increase in the coming weeks.

Overall, tight supply and firm demand continue to define Irish sheep trade prices April 2024, shaping the outlook for both domestic and export markets.

Bord Bia

See also: Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e April 13th 2024

Irish Cattle & Sheep Trade Prices – Week Ending 31 March 2024

Here’s the latest on Irish cattle & sheep trade prices March 2024. It reflects strong demand, tight supply, and evolving market trends.

Cattle & Beef

Throughput remains solid. During the week ending 31 March 2024, DAFM-approved plants processed 31,967 cattle, bringing the year-to-date total to 462,669 head. That represents a 2.4% rise (+10,947 head) compared to the same period last year. Prime cattle stayed on trend, counting 328,559 head, up 2% (+8,879 head) year-on-year. Cow throughput also held steady, with 114,783 cows, a notable 15% increase (+14,625 head).

Base quotes stabilised last week. Steers sold at €5.10–5.20/kg, and heifers fetched €5.20–5.30/kg. Young bulls under R grading ranged between €5.20–5.30/kg. The cow trade remained robust as well. O-grade cows commanded €4.40/kg, while top R-grade cows reached €4.50–4.60/kg. Most processed cows recently recorded a P-grade conformation score, with prices varying by weight and grade.

The average R3 steer price ticked up by 2c to €5.19/kg, just 9c below the same week in 2023 (€5.26/kg).

EU & UK Cattle Prices

Meanwhile, European R3 young bull prices held steady at €5.06/kg, unchanged from the previous year. In Great Britain, R3 steer prices dipped slightly to €5.69/kg (approx. £4.88/kg), but the market remained firm on tight supplies.

Sheep Trade & Prices

On the sheep side, hogget quotes held at 870–900c/kg, including the QA bonus. Supply remains tight due to lower flock numbers and rising production costs. The UK is seeing a 10% drop in hogget carryover, according to AHDB forecasts. In addition, only small numbers of spring lambs—quoted at 920c/kg (+QA)—have reached processors.

Demand shows signs of recovery, based on Kantar and Bord Bia data. However, lamb is the most sensitive protein amid shifting consumer habits.

Spring demand and limited supply drove Irish deadweight lamb prices up to 861c/kg, a 16c increase from the prior week (vs 676c in 2023). In Great Britain, prices stayed steady at 978c/kg, while Northern Ireland improved to 813c/kg. Southern Hemisphere lamb remains competitive, priced at 396c/kg (Australia) and 338c/kg (New Zealand).

Sheep Throughput

Weekly sheep throughput stood at 59,043 head, down slightly on last year. Year-to-date headcount reached 677,727, 4% behind 2023 figures. Hogget kill totaled 610,642 head, 3% lower. Ewe and ram throughput dropped 8% to 65,814 head. Only 1,227 spring lambs have processed so far this year.

Overall, Irish cattle & sheep trade prices March 2024 reflect steady cattle demand, tight lamb supply, and a resilient meat market.

 

BORD BIA

Irish Cattle & Sheep Trade Prices – Week Ending 24 March 2024

The latest figures highlight steady performance in Irish cattle & sheep trade prices March 2024. Cattle throughput rose, while sheep supply stayed tight.

Cattle & Beef

During the week ending 24 March 2024, DAFM-approved plants processed 33,106 cattle. This brought year-to-date throughput to 430,700 head. That is a 3% increase (+11,783 head) compared with 418,817 cattle in the same period of 2023.

Prime cattle made up 305,811 head in the first 12 weeks, an increase of 2% (+9,154 head) year-on-year. The mix of slaughter has shifted. Fewer young bulls were processed, but higher steer and heifer throughput offset this decline. Cow throughput also remained strong, with 107,110 cows handled so far this year.

Prices held steady. Steers made €5.15–5.20/kg, while heifers achieved €5.25–5.30/kg. Young bulls under 24 months graded R sold for €5.20–5.30/kg.

The cow trade stayed firm despite higher throughput. Well-fleshed O-grade cows averaged €4.30/kg. Meanwhile, R-grade cows secured €4.50–4.60/kg. P-grade cows varied widely in value depending on weight and quality.

The average R3 steer price rose slightly to €5.22/kg, just below last year’s figure of €5.28/kg.

EU & UK Cattle Prices

In Europe, R3 young bull prices averaged €5.06/kg in late March, 9c lower than the same week in 2023. In Great Britain, the average R3 steer eased to €5.73/kg (approx. £4.90/kg). Even so, firm demand and limited supply supported overall trade.

Sheep Trade & Prices

Hogget quotes strengthened again. Base prices reached 800–820c/kg plus QA bonus, with some producers securing more through negotiation. Tighter supplies across Europe and stronger seasonal demand ahead of Ramadan and Easter added momentum.

Lamb demand also improved in domestic and export markets. However, lamb remains the most exposed protein to inflation-driven changes in consumer spending.

Irish deadweight sheep prices climbed to 845c/kg, a jump of 30c from the week before. In the same week of 2023, the average was €6.45/kg. In Great Britain, spring lamb stood at 978c/kg (down 4c). Northern Ireland recorded 813c/kg, up 3c.

Southern Hemisphere prices stayed lower, with Australia at 398c/kg and New Zealand at 342c/kg. These levels keep their products highly competitive in the EU market despite transport costs.

The combination of strong demand and tight availability pushed the sheep trade to record levels in early 2024.

 

BORD BIA