Throughput: Cattle throughput totalled 32,020 head last week (w/e 15/08/2026) in DAFM approved plants, which represented an increase of over 6,500 head or 25% on the low levels recorded during the equivalent week last year. So far this year, supplies of cattle at Irish meat plants have totalled 987,397 head. This is a decline of -59,410 head (-5.7%) from the corresponding 33-week period in 2025. All categories of cattle have recorded a decline in throughput relative to 2025, with the strongest decline noted in cow throughput which are running 8% behind year earlier levels. Some of the decline in numbers processed has been offset by a notable improvement in average carcase weights.
Demand for beef in key export markets has remained relatively subdued in recent weeks. This is not unusual for this time of year, as demand for premium steak cuts tends to ease coming into autumn, and this hasn't yet been offset by any improvement in the forequarter and round cuts. It's hoped that the onset of cooler temperatures across Europe should strengthen this trade. At retail level, inflationary pressures on consumers combined with historically high beef prices continue to impact on the volume of beef being purchased.
Quotes: Base quotes have steadied this week at the major meat plants, with base quotes for steers generally in the region of €6.30/kg to €6.40/kg, and heifers quotes generally in the range from €6.40/kg to €6.50/kg. There is a wider range in prices being quoted for cull cows, depending on weight, quality and individual factory demand. However, on average, good quality R grading cows are being quoted at €6.10 to €6.20/kg, while €5.90/kg to €6.00/kg is available for well-fleshed O grade cows. Better quality P grading cows are being quoted between €5.80/kg and €5.90/kg.
Prices: With some additional cattle being offered, combined with subdued demand, prices paid for R3 steers at Irish meat plants during the week ending August 16th, averaged €6.45/kg, marking a €0.06/kg drop in prices compared to the previous week. Irish R3 steer prices have decreased by €0.24/kg in the last 4 weeks. The UK deadweight cattle price recorded a €0.01/kg increase for the same week. The average R3 steer price in the UK last week was equivalent to €7.11/kg.
The beef trade in the EU is experiencing relative stability as the EU average price of R3 grading young bulls has increased by €0.01/kg to €6.36/kg.
Note that reported prices exclude VAT but include all bonus payments (in-spec bonus, breed-based producer groups, sustainability initiatives etc).
Live Exports
The live cattle trade has slowed down in recent weeks with 1,688 cattle leaving the country in the week ending August 8th. Some uncertainty in the trade was introduced by Brittany Ferries announcing it would shortly cease carrying livestock. The short term outlook remains firm with exporters still very active in the market sourcing a range of suitable cattle to fulfil export contracts. For the year to-date, there have been 273,531 cattle traded, and while this is 9 per cent lower than the record levels seen in early 2025, it is ahead of the corresponding period in either 2023 or 2024.
Adult cattle represent the majority of animals exported last week, with just under 600 adult cattle leaving the country. There were just over 300 calves traded last week, accounting for 16% of the trade. Spain and Italy continue to be the key destinations for Irish calves although there are some growing opportunities emerging in some other markets.
The trade with Northern Ireland is has softened in recent weeks. Last week 733 cattle made the journey northwards. While the longer-term outlook for live cattle trading remains challenging the latest forecasts for cattle supplies in mainland Europe remain subdued, with the long-term contraction in the European cattle herd expected to continue. This should help support steady demand for Irish cattle in the short to medium term.
Market Trends
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Data Sources:
Irish Cattle Prices - Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
EU & World cattle prices - EU commission, USDA, IEG FNP Agribusiness, INAC, ABC Consorcio.com
EU male calf prices - EU Commission and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
EU Weanling prices - EU Commission & Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Live Cattle Exports - Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Cattle Throughput - Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine