Increased beef cattle prices will be supported by reduced supplies in 2021

Bord Bia data indicates that the prime cattle kill is down 7% for the year to mid-June

An LMX dry cow born in January 2014 weighted 630kg and sold for €1,190 at Ennis Mart last Thursday. Picture: James Treacy.

Strong calf exports in 2019, and a reduction in young bull finishing, have left the number of Irish cattle slaughtered up to June (706,900 head), down 6% compared to the same period last year, according to the Central Statistics Office.

More recent slaughter data from Bord Bia indicates that the prime cattle kill is down 7% for the year to mid-June), compared to last year.