The number of cattle expected to be slaughtered in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Britain in 2016 looks set to be considerably higher than last year.
Official figures show a widespread increase in cattle numbers on the ground, as dairy cross cattle numbers have jumped following the removal of quotas in 2015.
The official statistics point towards an increase in the number of cattle slaughtered both domestically and further afield in Northern Ireland and Britain.
80,000 extra beef cattle in Ireland
According to Bord Bia, an additional 60,000-80,000 beef cattle are expected to be slaughtered in the Republic this year.
The majority of these cattle will come on stream in the second half of the year, as cattle throughput has showed some signs of easing over the past five weeks.
This has been mainly due to a delay in the grass cattle slaughter.
Bord Bia reports that the majority of these cattle will sourced from the dairy herd, as a combination of higher calf births and reduced live cattle exports in 2014 has lead to increased cattle numbers.
Beef cattle numbers on the rise in Britain
Cattle slaughterings in Britain also look set to increase in 2016 due to a higher number of male and female beef cattle on the ground.
Figures from the AHDB (the organisation for British beef and lamb) show that there were more 12-24 month cattle in the UK this year compared to last year.
During April, it shows that the number of cattle aged between 18-24 months increased by 14,400 head, while 12-18 month old cattle numbers jumped by 72,000 head on 2015 levels.
Northern Ireland
A similar trend has also been seen in Northern Ireland, where figures indicate that cattle slaughterings are also expected to increase this year.
Figures from the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) show that there was 7.8% more cattle aged between 18-24 months in the north during April 2016 compared to the same time in 2015.
And, it also shows a 9% hike in cattle numbers aged 12-18 months.
Source: Livestock and Meat Commission
What impact will these extra cattle have?
The increase in the number of cattle set to be slaughtered in both Northern Ireland and Britain could possibly reduce some of the demand for Irish beef on the UK market.
In 2015, the UK market accounted for 52% of Irish beef exports, figures from Bord Bia show, valued at over €1 billion.
But more cattle on the ground in the UK could lead to a fall in the demand for Irish beef from UK buyers.
Already this year, a number of beef processors have indicated that the UK market is difficult, mainly caused by a weaker Sterling.
A weaker Sterling and a relatively close beef price makes Irish cattle more expensive to UK beef importers.
Figures from Bord Bia also show that live cattle exports to the UK have declined by 70% this year, due to the closeness of the beef price and changes in the currency markets.