Recovery in finished cattle sales to Northern Ireland

A rise in the UK beef price has resulted in an uplift in the number of finished cattle traded to Northern Ireland (NI).

Currently running 4,797 head behind the same time last year, they have improved significantly over the last month, albeit not to the same levels as last autumn.

Bord Bia data to the end of September shows that 38,732 cattle were exported to NI.

This marks a reduction of 5% compared to 2024.

While trade for calves, weanlings and stores remained steady, demand for finished cattle experienced a bigger fall-off as the Irish beef price was ahead of the UK one for a considerable part of the summer.

Highlighting the value of NI as an outlet for the Irish livestock sector, particularly for higher value stores and adult animals, Seamus McMenamin, the sector manager of sheepmeat and livestock at Bord Bia said: “While the number of animals traded across the border operated at lower levels during the summer months, it has picked up in recent weeks.

“Tightening cattle supplies in Northern Ireland and increased price competitiveness of Irish animals have contributed to this uplift,” he maintained.