Meat and Livestock sector

EU beef production fell by 2.5% due to a 2.2% reduction in the EU cow herd (EU Commission, 2025a). In addition, the impact of diseases like Bluetongue on animal breeding and finishing meant that supplies were exceptionally tight in the second and third quarter of 2025.

Consumer demand weakened as the year progressed, with price increases starting to be passed on to consumers. This resulted in beef sales losing ground to more competitively priced proteins. Downtrading within the beef category resulted in very strong demand for manufacturing beef.

EU young bull prices increased by 25% to €6.44 per kg in 2025 (EU Commission, 2025). By comparison, Irish R3 steer prices averaged €7.10 per kg, which represented a 37% improvement year-on-year (Bord Bia, 2025a). The European Commission estimates that EU beef consumption decreased by 0.9%, while beef imports increased by 5% (EU Commission, 2025c).

Prospects for 2026

Demand for beef imports is expected to remain strong in 2026, supported by income growth. A continued tightening of beef supplies in
Europe will continue to create import demand across the UK and Europe.

Irish pigmeat exports recorded a slight decline in 2025, reflecting international market pressures. 

The value of primary pigmeat exports declined by 3% to reach €475 million. Export volumes increased, with shipments up 3% at 205,000 tonnes. 

The decline in value reflects a highly competitive international pork market, ongoing tariff complications, and subdued demand in export
destinations. Irish pigmeat production rose by an estimated 5% during 2025 to approximately 325,000 tonnes. Both pig supplies and average
carcase weights increased slightly (CSO, 2025c and DAFM, 2025a).

Irish pig prices softened in 2025, with the average grade E pig price at an estimated €1.91 per kg deadweight (excluding VAT). This represents a 10% decrease on 2024, reflecting weaker market sentiment. Despite this decline, Irish pig prices remained ahead of EU averages for the majority of the year

Prospects for 2026

The Irish pigmeat sector faces a cautiously optimistic outlook for 2026. 

The decline in exports recorded in 2025 reflected persistent international market pressures, tariff complications, and subdued demand in some export destinations. However, the sector’s resilience was demonstrated by the 5% increase in domestic production, supported by larger carcase weights and increased pig supplies (CSO, 2025c and DAFM, 2025a).

Irish primary poultry exports recovered strongly in 2025 to reach an estimated €165 million, an 18% increase on 2024.

Exports of eggs, which make up a small share of the category, experienced strong growth in 2025.  

Irish poultry production grew by 6% in 2025, with throughput at export meat plants reaching 120 million birds. As in previous years, chickens (broilers and hens) accounted for the majority of birds processed (96%), with ducks and turkeys making up the remainder (DAFM, 2025). 

Prospects for 2026

If, as it seems likely, price levels continue to remain elevated and HPAI outbreaks are limited, EU poultry production should see further, measured growth in 2026.

Growth will be driven by continued consumer preference for poultry as a versatile, cost-effective protein, coupled with consistent lower feed costs. However, the sector will continue to face constraints from supply chain risks, particularly hatching egg shortages and disease-related trade restrictions. 

The value of Irish sheepmeat exports declined for the third consecutive year to to an estimated €360 million.

The lower availability of sheep for processing was the primary driver for the 15% decline in volume of sheepmeat available for export, which was 51,000 tonnes. This represents the lowest level of exports recorded on a volume basis since 2016

A combination of reduced domestic production, a contraction in breeding flock and lower levels of live sheep imports from Northern Ireland available for direct slaughter all contributed to the decline in volumes. Reduced production has been evident across all European sheep-producing regions. Despite reduced supplies, there has been no associated uplift in demand, with reports indicating that supply and demand were balanced for much of 2025. The high price point of lamb relative to other livestock continued to negatively impact demand.

Prospects for 2026

Continued flock contraction in EU production creates opportunities for Irish lamb, but with increasing competition from imported product.

While this tighter supply situation supports higher producer prices, it creates challenges when securing market returns for Irish lamb, particularly where there is competition from both UK and southern hemisphere products. Consumers in Europe continue to be highly price sensitive. Combined with an ageing demographic of lamb consumers, the EU is forecasting a continued decline in lamb consumption (EU Commission, 2024).

The value and importance of the live animal trade continued to grow, with exports reaching an estimated €480 million in 2025, a 40% increase on 2024 levels from the year earlier.

Cattle are the largest contributor, accounting for 80% of overall value (€390 million), with the movement of live pigs to Northern Ireland valued at €85 million. The relatively small number of sheep traded with mainland Europe makes up the balance.

Rising beef prices on the domestic market and more limited supplies of cattle contributed to a strong increase in the value of all categories of cattle. While cattle numbers and domestic availability contracted in 2025, the rate of decline was less than recorded in many key export markets.

Prospects for 2026

While 2025 was a very positive year, there are several headwinds on the horizon, such as the continued opposition towards the trading of live animals.

Proposed changes to EU transport legislation around journey times, feeding intervals, age at transport and space allowances will create challenges in the short to medium term for the unweaned calf trade in particular.