Key facts
- Tuam mart offered 175 cattle, with a 95% clearance rate.
- Prices for bullocks, heifers, and cows were down year-over-year at Tuam mart.
- Thurles Mart sold 173 calves, with export buyers purchasing nearly 70%.
- Calf prices at Thurles Mart ranged from €320-€450 per head.
- Young bull supplies for beef kill are steady year-over-year.
- Domestic milk intake in April 2026 was 1.037 billion litres.
- Domestic milk intake decreased by 37.1 million litres in April 2026 compared to April 2025.
- Ornua's PPI rose to 129.8 in May.
- Ornua issued an €8.5 million Value Payment to member co-ops.
- Estimated processing costs remained stable at 9.5c/L.
Cattle markets are exhibiting varied trends as the season progresses. At Tuam mart, a general cattle sale featured 175 head, achieving a strong clearance rate of approximately 95%. However, demand from export buyers was relatively subdued. Prices for bullocks, heifers, and cows saw a decrease compared to the previous year. Factory price quotes for bullocks have experienced a significant drop since January.
In contrast, Thurles Mart reported a robust trade for calves, with 173 calves on offer, an increase from the prior sale. Export buyers were actively engaged, acquiring nearly 70% of the calves at prices ranging from €320 to €450 per head. The mart manager observed a rise in calf numbers, contrary to a national downward trend, attributing this to favorable weather conditions.
Nationally, figures indicate that young bull supplies for the beef kill remain steady when compared to the previous year. This stability contrasts with a decline observed in all other cattle types. Young bulls represent a minor segment of the overall beef kill.
On the dairy front, domestic milk intake by processors and co-ops fell 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 decrease, though it is a 9% increase from April 2024. Fat content in the milk increased, while protein content saw a slight reduction.
Ornua's Purchase Price Index (PPI) for May rose to 129.8, up from 127.0 in April, signaling improved market returns for dairy products. Estimated processing costs remained stable at 9.5c/L, resulting in an indicative return of 36.6c/L after these costs. Ornua also distributed an €8.5 million Value Payment to its member co-ops.