Key facts
- Tuam mart offered 175 cattle at a general sale.
- Demand from export buyers was low at Tuam mart.
- Tuam mart achieved a clearance rate of approximately 95%.
- Prices for bullocks, heifers, and cows were down at Tuam mart compared to last year.
- Factory price quotes for bullocks dropped significantly since January.
- Thurles Mart had 173 calves on offer.
- Export buyers purchased nearly 70% of calves at Thurles Mart.
- Calf prices at Thurles Mart ranged from €320-€450 per head.
- Domestic milk intake decreased by 37.1 million litres in April 2026 compared to April 2025.
- Domestic milk intake reached an estimated 1.037 billion litres in April 2026.
- Ornua's Purchase Price Index (PPI) rose to 129.8 in May.
- Ornua's PPI was 127.0 in April.
Cattle markets are presenting a complex picture with varying trends across different sectors and regions. At Tuam mart's general cattle sale, 175 cattle were on offer, but demand from export buyers was notably low. Despite this, the clearance rate remained strong at approximately 95%. However, prices for bullocks, heifers, and cows saw a decrease compared to the previous year. Factory price quotes for bullocks have also dropped significantly since January, indicating downward pressure on beef prices.
In contrast, Thurles Mart reported a robust trade for calves as the season approaches its end. With 173 calves on offer, export buyers were actively participating, acquiring nearly 70% of the calves at prices between €320 and €450 per head. The mart manager observed an increase in calf numbers at Thurles, which goes against a national downward trend, attributing this localized increase to favorable weather conditions.
On the dairy front, domestic milk intake by processors and co-ops experienced a decline in April 2026, falling by 37.1 million litres compared to April 2025, totaling an estimated 1.037 billion litres. This represents a 3.5% year-over-year decrease, though it is a 9% increase from April 2024. Fat content in the milk intake rose, while protein content saw a minor decrease.
Ornua's Purchase Price Index (PPI) showed an increase in May, rising to 129.8 from 127.0 in April, signaling improved market returns for dairy products. With estimated processing costs stable at 9.5c/L, the indicative return after costs was 36.6c/L. Ornua also distributed an €8.5 million Value Payment to its member co-ops.
Latest figures on beef kill supplies indicate that young bull supplies remain steady compared to the previous year. However, supplies of all other cattle types for beef kill have declined. Young bulls represent a small fraction of the overall beef kill.