Beef kill from CFUs down 21,000 head in Q1 of 2026
There were 104,000 animals drafted from controlled finishing units for the first three months of 2026, a reduction of 17% compared to the same period in 2025.
Holdings operating as CFUs farm under strict conditions. \ Donal O'Leary
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The number of cattle slaughtered in EU-approved slaughter plants and originating in farms classified as controlled finishing units (CFUs) is running 21,000 head, or 17% lower than in 2025. There were 104,000 cattle drafted from CFUs in quarter one (Q1) of 2026 compared to 125,000 in quarter one of 2025.
The contribution of cattle originating in CFUs in the overall beef kill has reduced from 27% of throughput in the first quarter of 2025 to 22% of the kill in Q1 in 2026. This has contributed to the lower levels of throughput witnessed in 2026, with the beef kill for the first three months of the year running 68,155 head, or 14.5% lower.
CFU status
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CFUs are differentiated by the fact that they are restricted under the bovine TB eradication programme and as such have to follow certain conditions. Designated farms operate a specialised finishing system and do not deliberately possess any breeding animals.
All animals on the holding can only leave the farm for direct slaughter and in the eyes of the Department must pose a low risk to surrounding herds. For example, boundaries must prevent any contact with neighbouring livestock, with measures such as double fencing put in place.
TB testing must take place periodically, but herds are not eligible for TB compensation. CFUs can purchase animals without restriction and can purchase animals from herds with restricted movements.
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The number of cattle slaughtered in EU-approved slaughter plants and originating in farms classified as controlled finishing units (CFUs) is running 21,000 head, or 17% lower than in 2025. There were 104,000 cattle drafted from CFUs in quarter one (Q1) of 2026 compared to 125,000 in quarter one of 2025.
The contribution of cattle originating in CFUs in the overall beef kill has reduced from 27% of throughput in the first quarter of 2025 to 22% of the kill in Q1 in 2026. This has contributed to the lower levels of throughput witnessed in 2026, with the beef kill for the first three months of the year running 68,155 head, or 14.5% lower.
CFU status
CFUs are differentiated by the fact that they are restricted under the bovine TB eradication programme and as such have to follow certain conditions. Designated farms operate a specialised finishing system and do not deliberately possess any breeding animals.
All animals on the holding can only leave the farm for direct slaughter and in the eyes of the Department must pose a low risk to surrounding herds. For example, boundaries must prevent any contact with neighbouring livestock, with measures such as double fencing put in place.
TB testing must take place periodically, but herds are not eligible for TB compensation. CFUs can purchase animals without restriction and can purchase animals from herds with restricted movements.
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