Throughput: Cattle throughput totalled 33,492 head last week (w/e 26/09/2026) in DAFM approved plants, which represented an increase of over 3,400 head or 11% on the low levels recorded during the equivalent week last year. So far this year, supplies of cattle at Irish meat plants have totalled 1,184,414 head. This is a decline of -31,405 head (-2.6%) from the corresponding 39-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 4% 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 €6.60/kg to €6.70/kg, and heifers quotes generally in the range from €6.70/kg to €6.80/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 €6.50/kg, while €6.20/kg to €6.30/kg is available for well-fleshed O grade cows. Better quality P grading cows are being quoted between €6.00/kg and €6.10/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 September 26th, averaged €6.61/kg, marking a €0.05/kg drop in prices compared to the previous week. Irish R3 steer prices have increased by €0.18/kg in the last 4 weeks. The UK deadweight cattle price recorded a €0.05/kg increase for the same week. The average R3 steer price in the UK last week was equivalent to €7.29/kg.
The beef trade in the EU is experiencing relative stability as the EU average price of R3 grading young bulls has increased by €0.02/kg to €6.42/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 steadied in recent weeks with 2,389 cattle leaving the country in the week ending September 25th. 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 289,461 cattle traded, and while this is 10 per cent lower than the record levels seen in early 2025, it is on par with the corresponding period in either 2023 or 2024.
Adult cattle represent the majority of animals exported last week, with just over 800 adult cattle leaving the country. There were just under 700 weanlings traded last week, accounting for 30% 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 strengthened in recent weeks. Last week 1,360 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
See our weekly updated market trends.
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