Cattle Trade & Prices

Throughput: Cattle throughput totalled 30,014 head last week (w/e 14/06/2026) in DAFM approved plants, taking overall supplies for the year to date to 737,694 head. This is a decline of 76,401 head (-9.4%) from the strong levels recorded in the corresponding 24-week period in 2025.  All categories of cattle have recorded a decline in throughput YTD relative to 2025, with the strongest decline noted in cow throughput which is operating 16% behind year earlier levels. Some of the decline in numbers processed has been offset by a notable improvement in average carcase weights across the board.

Demand for beef in key export markets has continued to come under pressure in recent weeks. The impact of inflationary pressures on consumers combined with historically high consumer prices for beef, has had a significant impact on beef purchases at retail and foodservice levels. Increased presence of imported non-European beef across our main markets and growing competition from competitively priced proteins have impacted negatively on the demand for beef.

Quotes: Base quotes from most major processors remain unchanged this week with quotes in the region of €6.20/kg-€6.30/kg for steers, while quotes for heifers are starting at €6.30/kg. Good quality R grading cows are being quoted at €6.00kg this week while €5.90/kg is available for well fleshed O grade cows. Better quality P grading cows are being quoted between €5.60/kg-€5.80/kg.

Prices: Despite tighter supplies of cattle for processing, prices paid for R3 steers during the week ending June 14^th, averaged at €6.31/kg. Following a period of steady decreases, the price has come back €0.04/kg compared to last week’s price. Meanwhile the UK deadweight cattle price continues to display relative stability. The average R3 steer price in the UK last week was the equivalent of €6.84/kg, with prices fluctuating by €0.01/kg over the last three weeks, after months of downward pressure. The UK price differential over the Irish R3 steer price stands at €0.53/kg currently.

Meanwhile the beef trade in some European markets are also experiencing price pressure, however the latest available EU average price of R3 grading young bulls has increased marginally by €0.02/kg to €6.62/kg. Variability in trade can be seen across EU member states with German R3 young bull prices decreasing by €0.20/kg on last week’s figures, while French prices are now €0.04/kg higher this week. The Irish average R3 price at €6.31/kg is now 31 cent behind the average EU Young Bull price level, following declines in European prices from a peak of €7.40/Kg in February 2026.

Note that reported prices exclude VAT but include all bonus payments (in-spec bonus, breed-based producer groups etc).

Live Exports

The live cattle trade has slowed down in recent weeks with over 6,144 cattle leaving the country in the week ending June 7^th. Improved weather conditions and a steady demand for cattle in key export markets have supported the level of export. The short term outlook remains firm with exporters still very active in the market sourcing a range of suitable cattle to fulfil export contracts. Year to date there have been 228,208 cattle traded, and while this is 14 per cent lower than the record levels seen in early 2025 it is very similar to the corresponding period in 2023 and 2024.

Calves continue to dominate the live trade, as is typical for the time of the year given our seasonal calving pattern. There were just over 4,500 calves traded last week, accounting for 78% of the trade. The Netherlands, 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 was more subdued last week with 786 cattle making the journey northwards. This is slightly below last week’s figures which had the lowest levels of exports to the region since Bluetongue restrictions were lifted in early March this year. 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.