The latest beef price analysis shows the average R3 grading steer in the UK selling for the equivalent price of €7.29/kg, almost 70c/kg higher than the Irish R3 grading steer price of €6.61/kg.

UK beef prices are running just 12p/kg (14c/kg) behind the corresponding week in 2025 compared with the Irish beef price trailing last year’s returns by approximately 50c/kg.

The analysis was presented by Bord Bia senior manager for meat and livestock Joe Burke at Monday’s winter finishing event organised by Teagasc and the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), held in Cillin Hill Mart, Kilkenny.

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Burke outlined that renewed confidence from consumers has boosted beef consumption in the UK for 2026 and this increased consumption has resulted in a bigger gap paid for an R3 steer.

He said that UK consumers have increased their beef consumption in recent months, with an increase of 7.7% in the volume of steaks consumed, while the value of these steaks consumed is up 4.5%, with burgers seeing a 12% increase in value consumed.

A wider price differential is also evident between prices paid for finished cattle in Ireland and Northern Ireland. This has reinvigorated demand for Irish cattle, with agents purchasing cattle for export to Northern Ireland much more active in recent weeks.

Southern hemisphere competition

Burke cautioned that Irish beef exports to the important UK market continue to face growing competition from southern hemisphere nations, with New Zealand and Australian exports gradually gaining market share.

However, he said that Irish beef will continue to be sought after in the UK market, adding: “The UK consumer has always remained loyal to Irish beef seeing it as being produced to the same standards as UK beef, with big food services also remaining loyal, only sourcing Irish and UK-produced beef.”