Throughput: Cattle throughput totalled 30,914 head last week (w/e 08/08/2026) in DAFM approved plants, taking overall supplies for the year to date to 955,377 head. This is a decline of -65,921 head (-6.5%) from the strong levels recorded in the corresponding 32-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 9% 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 reduced this week with quotes in the region of €6.30/kg-€6.40/kg for steers, while quotes for heifers are starting at €6.40/kg-€6.50/kg. Good quality R grading cows are being quoted at €6.10kg- €6.20/kg this week while €5.90/kg-€6.00/kg is available for well fleshed O grade cows. Better quality P grading cows are being quoted between €5.80/kg-€5.90/kg.
Prices: With tighter supplies of cattle for processing, prices paid for R3 steers during the week ending August 9th, averaged €6.51/kg marking a €0.12/kg drop in prices compared to last week. Irish R3 steer prices have decreased by €0.21/kg in the last 4 weeks. The UK deadweight cattle price has recorded a €0.02/kg decrease. The average R3 steer price in the UK last week was the equivalent of €7.10/kg, following over month of consecutive price increases. The UK price differential over the Irish R3 steer price stands at €0.59/kg currently.
Following a period of downward price pressure, the latest available EU average price of R3 grading young bulls has increased by €0.03/kg to €6.35/kg. The EU average R3 price is now €0.16/kg behind the Irish price.
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 1,688 cattle leaving the country in the week ending August 8th. Uncertainty in the trade has been introduced, as Brittany Ferries announces cessation of live exports. 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 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 2023 and 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