The number of cattle slaughtered in Ireland in the year to March 2026 was approximately 410,000 head, a reduction of 15% compared with the period of January to March 2025, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
In March 2026, the number of cattle slaughtered was down 7.1% on March 2025 to 147,200 head, analysis of Department of Agriculture data shows.
The beef trade has become more stable in recent weeks after a number of weeks of reducing quotes in March.
There has also been fewer delays in getting cattle killed in recent weeks, as agents are more active in looking for stock.
Sheep and pigs
Meanwhile, sheep slaughterings decreased by 1.9% to 567,000 head between January and March 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.
This shows a drop in throughput of about 11,000 sheep.
The number of sheep slaughtered in March 2026 was up 0.3% on the same month last year, an increase of 1,000.
The number of pigs slaughtered in Ireland in March 2026 was 301,500 head, an increase of 10.9% on March 2025.
The number of pig slaughterings from January to March 2026 increased by 5.2% or 43,000 head when compared with the same period last year.
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