Beef finishers ‘stunned’ as factories cut prices by another 10c/kg

Cow prices have also been reduced this week to 620-625c/kg for R-grade cattle.

Another cut of 10c/kg on beef prices at the factories this week has "stunned" suppliers of finished animals to processors.

The second consecutive week — and third time in a month — of price cuts is severe on finishers and a complete reversal of the pattern of trade usually experienced in the May-June period of the year.

Processors are blaming the weak market for Irish beef, which they describe as now being a “hard sell”, while farmer representatives hit out at weak marketing.

Most factories are quoting 640c/kg base for steers this week and 650c/kg base for heifers. There is a 10-20c/kg breed bonus for Hereford and Angus cattle at most factories.

Cow prices have also been reduced this week to 620-625c/kg for R-grade cattle.

Farmers in some areas of the country are experiencing delays of one to two weeks in getting cattle killed, with processors insisting the ‘price on the day’ will apply.

“We’re stunned. This week’s price cut was not expected. It’s sickening for finishers who targeted having supplies ready for the usually lean weeks of the year in May and early June,” reacted one finisher this week.

ICMSA livestock committee chairperson Michael O'Connell described the recent price cuts as “downright sneaky” and the spring 2026 season as “one to forget” for finishers, who have seen €300-€400/head wiped off the price of their cattle, excluding feeding costs.

Referring to the reported “uncertainty” in the beef trade, he said: “Bluntly, we don’t believe this bluffing about ‘uncertainty’ and we just think that it’s more proof — if that was even needed — that factories can never be considered an ‘honest broker’ and will always act in a way that damages the people supplying them.”

He added: “The narrative that markets are difficult — specifically the UK market — is deflecting from the fact that our beef processors have depended on the UK as the first stop for our product for decades.” 

“The commentary regarding market difficulties is nothing new, but shouldn’t processors have seen this coming since Brexit and sourced markets outside the EU? Or, better still, inside the EU to replace the once lucrative UK market?” 

Supply last week came to 31,376 head, which was 3,000 more than the same week last year.

The strong supply was indicative of finishers concerned over the trend of price cuts, with stocks being moved in greater numbers ahead of further reductions.

Supply included 12,859 steers, 9,666 heifers, 6,033 cows and 1,986 young bulls.