Bord Bia and the meat industry are currently examining consumer demand for all Irish beef cuts in the domestic and export markets, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has said.

It comes as there is increased competition in the UK market from Australian and New Zealand beef and a drop in beef prices.

Bord Bia “will consider how best to reinforce the competitive position of Irish beef through targeted marketing and promotion activities and campaigns”, the Minister said.

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In terms of supply, the Minister outlined that the latest data published by his Department shows that aggregate cattle throughput for the year to date has declined by 10% from the elevated levels recorded in the corresponding period in 2025.

“However, recent analysis suggests that domestic cattle availability will likely recover in the second half of the year and that the total kill for the year will be similar to last year’s slaughter level,” he said in response to a parliamentary question from TD Carol Nolan.

“ICBF live calf registration data indicates a stabilisation of the national herd inventory, with a 1.6% increase in total calf registrations and a 2.8% increase in beef births recorded to date this year."

Lower production

“Lower beef production is a feature of the UK and EU beef markets. In its outlook to 2035, the [European] Commission projected that EU production is set to continue contracting and UK trends point to lower beef production in the medium term,” he said.

Live cattle exports averaged 351,000 head annually over the last three years, with typically 70% of these animals exported by the time that they are one year old, he added.

“However, there is no evidence to suggest that nitrate[s] stocking limits had a greater impact on current cattle availability than other general economic factors affecting production decisions on individual farm enterprises.

“While market dynamics influence beef production nationally and globally, I will continue to engage regularly with all supply chain actors to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

"This engagement will be informed by the Teagasc mid-year review and outlook due to be published next month. My Department is also currently consulting with sectoral stakeholders as part of a comprehensive review of the Food Vision 2030 strategy,” he said.