Beef
Average carcass weights in the first quarter of 2025 have declined in all categories except young bulls when compared to 2024.
Average carcass weights in 2023 hit the lowest levels in the past decade, according to figures published by DAFM.
An analysis of the average beef prices paid for base steers and heifers shows that returns are up marginally on 2017 levels.
To date this year, Irish cattle supplies have risen by more than 63,000 head or 5.7% on the levels seen last year.
Farmers selling beef cattle in 2017 will still have to face the prospect of factory price cuts on overweight carcasses.
Sheep
Factories have ruled out implementing new guidelines on lamb carcass weights presented to them by IFA at a meeting last Friday.
About 38% of the steers slaughtered in Northern Ireland this year do not meet the requirements of the retail specification, recent figures from Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) show.
