Factory prices paid for cull cows during the first six months of 2025 are up 169.4p/kg for O3-grading animals when compared to the previous year.

Based on weekly deadweight cattle price reports published by the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC), O3 cows have averaged 508.5p/kg from January to June.

That is up from an average of 339.4p/kg over the same period last year, adding an additional £593 on the value of a 350kg carcase.

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In recent weeks, beef prices have come under pressure. Over the 12-week period from 26 April to 12 July, O3 prices dropped 32.1p/kg, however, they rebounded 5.5p/kg in the week to 19 July.

Prices paid in the Republic of Ireland have moved significantly ahead of NI, with O3 grades in the week ending 19 July, 44.4p/kg ahead at an average of 582.4p/kg.