Young bulls are making up to 730c/kg for R-grade this week and demand for cows continues very strong, with 675–680c/kg going for R-grade. Lower suppliesIt has also emerged in recent weeks that the major processors are actively adjusting their operations to handle lower throughput. Some adjustments are already in train and more appear to be on the way as processors analyse the potential consequences of a further 3–5% drop in supply predicted for 2026. Supply last week at 30,481 head showed a drop of 500 head on the previous week, while it was down by almost 4,000 on the same week last year. Last week’s kill included 9,736 steers, 9,820 heifers, 7,014 cows and 3,432 young bulls.

Source: Irish Examiner February 10, 2026 14:59 UTC