Latest figures from the Department of Agriculture’s AIMS computer database show there will be fewer than expected beef cattle sold off farms this autumn, says IFA livestock chair Angus Woods.

The news, along with the opening of Turkey and other external markets to live Irish cattle, will ease fears of a glut of beef animals coming on the market at the end of the grazing season.

Woods said: “AIMS data up to 1 May shows that beef animals in the 24- to 36-month age category are down on last year by 58,000 head. This is the group of animals that the factories are relying on for slaughter over the next six months.”

The data shows there are more cattle in the 12- to 24-month category than last year, reflecting more calvings and lower live exports in 2015.

However, it will be 2017 before these cattle come to finishing stage.