Key facts
- The Ulster Farmers' Union states that beef processors have cut prices too aggressively.
- UK menus have seen a decline in beef's share to 24.0%, with volumes dropping 3.7 million kg last year.
- Domestic milk intake decreased by 37.1 million litres in April 2026 compared to April 2025.
- Ornua's Purchase Price Index (PPI) rose to 129.8 in May from 127.0 in April.
- Agriland and Teagasc DairyBeef 500 are publishing a series on calf management.
- The Advantage Beef Programme offers guidance on transitioning calves to grass.
- Carnew Mart reported strong trade in sheep and dairy rings.
- Tuam mart saw prices for bullocks, heifers, and cows down compared to the previous year.
- Thurles Mart reported a strong calf trade with export buyers active.
- 1,608 metric tons of grain traded on ClearGrain and igrainX.
- Ashbourne Meats awarded €2,000 in prizes at a Limousin cull cow carcase competition.
Irish beef farmers are facing an unsustainable situation as processors are accused of cutting prices too aggressively, according to the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU). UFU beef and lamb chair Brendan Kelly highlighted that farmers are contending with high costs while receiving lower prices, a stark contrast to unchanged retailer prices. He warned that this trend could lead to a reduction in the number of beef farms in Northern Ireland. Concurrently, the prominence of beef on UK menus has diminished, with its share falling to 24.0% and beef volumes dropping by 3.7 million kg last year. This shift is attributed to consumers cutting back on eating out due to financial pressures, prompting restaurants to feature beef as an ingredient rather than a main dish, while pork has seen an increase in menu share.
In the dairy sector, domestic milk intake by processors and co-ops decreased by 37.1 million litres in April 2026 compared to April 2025, reaching an estimated 1.037 billion litres. This represents a 3.5% year-over-year drop, though it is a 9% increase from April 2024. While fat content in milk rose, protein content saw a marginal decrease. However, market returns for dairy products appear to be improving, as indicated by Ornua's Purchase Price Index (PPI) which rose to 129.8 in May from 127.0 in April. Estimated processing costs remained stable at 9.5c/L, suggesting an indicative return of 36.6c/L after costs. Ornua also issued an €8.5 million Value Payment to member co-ops.
Calf management and transition to grass are central themes for enhancing farm profitability and sustainability. Agriland and the Teagasc DairyBeef 500 team are publishing a two-part series on calf management practices to improve performance during weaning and the first grazing season, focusing on daily gains and efficient grass conversion. The Advantage Beef Programme is also offering guidance on successfully transitioning calves to grass, emphasizing adequate concentrate intake, fiber, water, grass quality management, and the use of electric fencing. Updates from ABP Monitor Farms in Sligo are providing insights into suckler and dairy-beef farm operations.
Mart sales present a mixed picture. Carnew Mart has reported strong trade in both sheep and dairy rings, with significant strengthening in sheep prices since March and positive dairy sales. Conversely, Tuam mart experienced lower demand from export buyers for its 175 cattle, though the clearance rate remained high at approximately 95%. Prices for bullocks, heifers, and cows were down compared to the previous year, with factory price quotes for bullocks significantly lower since January. Thurles Mart, however, reported a strong calf trade with export buyers active, purchasing nearly 70% of the 173 calves on offer at prices ranging from €320-€450/head, noting an increase in calf numbers despite a national downward trend. Young bull supplies for beef kill remain steady, while other cattle types are down. Ashbourne Meats hosted a Limousin cull cow carcase competition, awarding €2,000 in prizes to winners from Co. Cork and Co. Mayo. In the grain market, 1,608 metric tons were traded on ClearGrain and igrainX, with increased XF demand in Victoria and New South Wales, and grain prices remaining significantly above cash boards despite recent rainfall.