Irish Pig Prices Ease as Throughput Remains Strong

Irish pig prices have edged lower in recent weeks, despite robust slaughter throughput in early 2026.

According to the latest market update from Bord Bia, the average reported deadweight price for Grade E pigs for the week ending 24 January declined to €1.69/kg, excluding VAT. Producer prices across processors were generally in the range of €1.74–€1.76/kg.

Current prices are approximately 15% below the same week last year, when the average stood at €1.99/kg. Across the European Union, the average Grade E carcass price remains under pressure at €1.48/kg, significantly below year-ago levels. Some key producing countries have also reported recent price reductions, reflecting broader market weakness.

Despite softer pricing, slaughter throughput remains firm. Combined throughput for the first four weeks of 2026 is just under 266,000 head, over 18,000 head higher than the same period in 2025. For the week ending 24 January, total slaughterings reached 69,674 head, including sows and boars.

Fattener pig throughput is currently running 7.7% ahead of last year, indicating continued strong supply even as margins tighten for producers.

Reported prices exclude VAT but include relevant bonus payments where applicable.

---

Source: Bord Bia Pig Trade & Prices | 12 Feb 2026

Irish Hogget Trade Eases as Heavy Carcases Pressure Market

The Irish hogget trade has softened this week, with base quotes falling back to around €7.50–€7.60/kg, plus Quality Assurance bonuses.

According to the latest market update from Bord Bia, factories have trimmed quotes by approximately 10c/kg, with reports suggesting that a higher proportion of heavy carcases in the kill mix is creating marketing challenges.

Processors indicate that both retail and carcase customers are showing a clear preference for lighter-weight hoggets, limiting appetite for heavier specifications. Producers with larger numbers meeting tighter weight requirements have reportedly secured slightly improved deals.

The average reported deadweight price for the week ending 24 January declined by 5c/kg to €7.56/kg. This remains significantly below the corresponding period last year, when prices averaged €8.92/kg.

Throughput in Department of Agriculture approved plants reached 36,333 head for the same week, running 2% behind the equivalent week in 2025. However, year to date throughput is currently tracking 4% ahead of last year, supported by stronger numbers across all sheep categories.

Market participants note that carryover hoggets into early 2026 may continue to influence throughput and pricing dynamics in the coming weeks.

---

Source: Bord Bia Sheep Trade & Prices | 12 Feb 2026

Australian Livestock Markets Steady as Slaughter Levels Adjust

Australian cattle and sheep markets showed mixed movements in the latest reporting week, with prices stabilising while overall slaughter volumes adjusted following recent volatility. These developments highlight trends seen in the Australian cattle and sheep market.

According to the latest weekly update from Meat & Livestock Australia, cattle indicators were largely steady, supported by consistent restocker demand and stable processor activity across key regions. Restockers in the Australian cattle and sheep market remain active in many regions.

Cattle throughput eased week-on-week but remains elevated compared with earlier seasonal averages. Eastern states continue to drive national slaughter volumes, although weather conditions and pasture availability are influencing yardings in some areas. This is significant for the broader Australian cattle and sheep market, as regional differences persist.

In the sheep sector, lamb prices displayed resilience, while mutton values softened amid higher supply. Slaughter levels for lamb remain strong compared with recent years, reflecting ongoing flock adjustments and market opportunities in export channels.

Currency movements and export demand trends continue to shape pricing signals for producers, with analysts watching global trade flows closely as 2026 progresses.

Overall, the Australian cattle and sheep market remains an important driver of livestock pricing and export performance.

---

Source: Meat & Livestock Australia | Weekly Market Wrap | 13 Feb 2026

Producers Given Confidence Boost on Lamb Prices

The UK sheep sector has been given cautious encouragement for 2026. Industry leaders suggest there is reason for confidence in market performance.

According to reporting by Irish Farmers Journal, National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker believes supply fundamentals and consumer demand trends could underpin stronger prices this year.

While recent weeks have seen volatility in lamb markets, tightening domestic supply and ongoing global demand for sheep meat are expected to provide support.

Industry observers note that currency movements and export market access will remain key variables shaping price direction throughout 2026.

---

Source: Irish Farmers Journal | 12 February 2026

Mutton Market Firms Ahead of Ramadan

Cull ewe prices have strengthened in recent weeks as demand builds ahead of Ramadan, providing timely support to the UK sheep sector.

According to reporting by Farmers Weekly, processors and exporters are actively sourcing ewes in preparation for increased consumption during the Islamic holy month, when lamb and mutton feature prominently in many markets.

Trade sources indicate that export demand, particularly for mutton, has underpinned the uplift. Ramadan often drives stronger buying interest from key Middle Eastern and North African destinations, tightening supply in domestic markets and supporting farmgate returns.

While new-season lamb supply remains a focal point for many buyers, the renewed interest in cull ewes has helped rebalance values across categories. Market participants note that seasonal religious demand can have a pronounced impact on short-term pricing trends, particularly where UK product competes in export channels.

---

Source: Farmers Weekly | 10 February 2026

Irish Cattle Throughput Down 15% as Prices Hold Steady

Irish cattle throughput remains below last year’s levels, although factory quotes have held broadly steady in recent weeks.

According to the latest update from Bord Bia, 30,906 cattle were processed in the week ending 31 January. Year-to-date throughput stands at 145,806 head, representing a reduction of 26,390 head, or 15%, compared with the same period in 2025.

Lower processing levels in the latter half of 2025 have contributed to a stabilisation in overall cattle numbers on Irish farms. Despite this, presentation for slaughter remains subdued across all categories. Industry feedback suggests that supply and demand dynamics remain relatively balanced at current levels.

Factory quotes are largely unchanged week-on-week. Steers are generally quoted at €7.00–€7.10/kg, with heifer quotes starting at €7.10–€7.20/kg. R-grade cows are reported at €6.80–€6.90/kg, O-grade cows at €6.60–€6.70/kg, and P-grade cows at €6.20–€6.30/kg.

For the week ending 31 January, the average price paid for R3 steers increased by 1c to €7.11/kg. This leaves Irish prices approximately 27c behind the equivalent UK level. Meanwhile, European young bull prices strengthened by 6c to €7.36/kg, marking the seventh consecutive week that EU prices have traded ahead of Ireland, currently by around 25c/kg.

Reported prices exclude VAT but include all bonus payments such as Quality Assurance and breed-based group bonuses.

---

Source: Bord Bia Cattle Trade & Prices |12 Feb 2026

Red Meat Retail Sales Show Mixed Start to 2026

Red meat retail performance in Great Britain delivered a mixed picture in the latest reporting period, with value growth supported by pricing, while volumes remained under pressure.

According to new consumer insight from AHDB, total red meat retail sales for the period ending 25 January 2026 reflected ongoing shifts in shopper behaviour following the Christmas trading window.

Beef and lamb categories experienced fluctuating volumes, influenced by post-holiday demand adjustments and price sensitivity among consumers. Promotional activity and cut selection continue to shape purchasing decisions, with shoppers increasingly balancing value considerations against quality and provenance.

Pig meat performance also reflected cautious consumer spending, as households manage budgets amid wider cost-of-living pressures. Despite softer volumes in some categories, overall value sales remain resilient due to sustained average price levels.

AHDB noted that changing consumer habits, including a continued focus on convenience and meal planning, are influencing category dynamics. Retailers and suppliers are expected to monitor promotional strategies closely as the market transitions into the spring trading period.

---

Source: AHDB | Consumer Insight – 25 January 2026

GB Cattle Prices Ease as Lamb Market Faces Pressure

Prime cattle prices in Great Britain edged lower in the latest reporting week, while lamb values also came under pressure amid softer demand.

According to the latest market wrap from AHDB, greater numbers of finished cattle coming forward weighed on deadweight prices. The overall GB steer price fell week-on-week, with heifers and young bulls also recording declines as supply outpaced demand.

Estimated prime cattle slaughter rose slightly compared with the previous week, and year-to-date throughput remains marginally ahead of the same period in 2025. Domestic retail and foodservice demand has reportedly softened post-Christmas, contributing to price adjustments.

In contrast, GB cow prices continued to strengthen, supported by seasonal demand for manufacturing beef. The price gap between prime cattle and cows narrowed further in the latest data.

In the sheep sector, the deadweight old season lamb price declined week-on-week and remains below year-ago levels. Industry reports indicate weaker domestic and export demand, with French market prices also trending lower. Clean sheep slaughter is running ahead of last year’s historically low levels.

Market participants will continue to monitor supply flows and consumer demand as the spring marketing period approaches.

---

Source: AHDB Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap

Irish Cattle Throughput Down 11% as Beef Prices Hold Firm

Lower levels of cattle processing in the second half of 2025 have contributed to a stabilisation in Irish cattle numbers. Slaughter throughput remains notably subdued at the start of 2026.

To date, 114,900 cattle have been processed, representing a reduction of 18,182 head (11%) compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, throughput is lower year on year across all cattle categories. Processors report a broadly balanced supply and demand dynamic, despite reduced kill levels at major plants.

Processor quotes remain largely unchanged week on week. Steer quotes are generally in the region of €7.00–€7.10/kg. In addition, heifer starting prices are reported at €7.10–€7.20/kg. Quality R-grade cows are being quoted at €6.80–€6.90/kg. O-grade cows are at €6.60–€6.70/kg and P-grade cows between €6.20–€6.30/kg.

Price data for the week ending 24 January shows the average R3 steer price increased by 2c to €7.10/kg. This places Irish prices 28c/kg behind the UK, where the equivalent price stands at €7.38/kg. Notably, UK beef prices have eased by the equivalent of 16c/kg since late November.

European markets have shown a more positive tone. The average reported price for R3 grading young bulls held at €7.30/kg. As a result, European prices have remained ahead of Irish prices for six consecutive weeks. Currently, the difference stands at around 20c/kg.

In 2025, the EU and UK each accounted for 48% of Irish beef exports. This underlines their continued influence on Irish beef demand and pricing.

---

Source: Bord Bia | Cattle Trade & Prices | 5 February 2026

Hogget Prices Ease as Heavy Carcases Pressure Irish Sheep Trade

The Irish hogget trade has come under renewed downward pressure, with heavier carcase weights creating challenges for processors and dragging on prices across the market.

Base hogget quotes have eased back to around €7.50–€7.60/kg, plus quality assurance bonuses. Producers with larger numbers of hoggets that closely match current market specifications have been able to negotiate slightly stronger prices, but reports suggest an increasing proportion of heavy carcases in the kill is proving difficult to place.

Processors are encountering resistance from both retail and carcase customers, who continue to show a clear preference for lighter-weight lamb, limiting flexibility in the trade.

The average reported deadweight price for the week ending 24 January fell by 5c to €7.56/kg, remaining well behind the same period last year when prices averaged €8.92/kg. In Great Britain, reported deadweight prices declined by 13c/kg, while Northern Ireland prices dropped by 18c/kg to €6.97/kg.

Southern Hemisphere markets showed mixed trends. In Australia, a flush of new-season lambs combined with higher carcase weights weighed on prices, although heavy lamb values edged 3c/kg higher to the equivalent of €6.05/kg. New Zealand lamb prices improved to around €5.40/kg, with stronger supply influencing trade dynamics.

Sheep throughput in DAFM-approved plants for the week ending 24 January totalled 36,333 head, running 2% behind the same week in 2025. However, year-to-date throughput is 4% ahead of last year, with increases across all sheep categories. Industry sources suggest a stronger carryover of hoggets into 2026, which may support higher hogget throughput during the first quarter.

---

Source: Bord Bia | Sheep Trade & Prices | 6 February 2026