The reductions seen in local beef prices are not due to an over-supply of cattle, with the kill continuing to trend downwards when compared to 2025.
Last week saw 8,989 cattle slaughtered in NI, down over 600 head on the same week in 2025 and one of the lowest weekly kills of the year to date.
That included 7,158 steers, heifers and young bulls, with the total prime kill so far in 2026 of 126,726 being 6% down on the same period in 2025.
The cow kill is back by a greater extent, with 35,538 cows slaughtered so far in 2026, which is 11% behind the equivalent figure from 2025 of 39,926.
The overall prime kill continues to be dominated by steers and heifers. To date in 2026, steers account for 45% of prime cattle slaughtered, with heifers at 43%.
That leaves 12% of the prime kill being young bulls.
Sheep kill
NI factories have killed more sheep in 2026 than they did over the same period in 2025. The hogget and lamb kill currently stands at 142,698 head, which is a 27% increase on the 2025 figure.
Most cull ewes are slaughtered outside of NI, with just 7,832 ewes and rams processed in NI to date in 2026.
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