Search our website enhanced by Google.
Irish beef production bounces back in October
Thursday, 2 January 2020
By Charlie Reeve
During October, Irish beef production jumped up by 85% month-on-month to total 61,000 tonnes (177,000 head). Average carcase weights also increased during October to 344kg. This was after a particularly low throughput during September due to strike action. Compared to October 2018, production was only marginally up (+1,600 tonnes).
For the year to date, total cattle throughput in Ireland is down 3% at 1,532,000 head, 44,000 head less than the same period of the previous year. However, there is a definite diverging trend between the first part of the year and more recent months. In the first six months of 2019, 48,600 more cattle came forward. Whereas, since July 92,700 fewer have come forward with much of this decline due to the strikes.
Irish exports were also up on the previous month during October 2019. Total Irish fresh/frozen beef exports in October reached 33,000 tonnes. Despite this, exports were still 3% down compared to October 2018. The UK remained the largest export destination for Irish fresh/frozen beef exports, accounting for 41% of total exports.
Irish fresh/frozen beef exports to China during October reached 860 tonnes, the highest monthly figure on record according to Irish Customs data. Growth to this destination is likely to continue, with further plant approvals in October.
Although cattle throughput has now returned to more normal levels, some Irish producers continue to take action against low cattle prices. More recently, activity has been directed at retailers. The Irish Farming Association (IFA) have been hosting demonstrations at major retailer distribution centres including Aldi, Lidl and Tesco during December.
Whilst beef prices in GB have begun to increase in recent months, Irish beef prices have faced continued pressure. Much of this is due to beasts which should have been killed during the strike period but were not, leading to oversupply now.
Sign up for regular updates
You can subscribe to receive Beef and Lamb market news straight to your inbox. Simply fill in your contact details on our online form.
While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.
All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.