Darren Carty

Farmers can receive a payment of up to €75 per cow-calf pair up to a maximum of 45 calves born between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026

The increase is underpinned by a 20,000 head increase in dairy birth registrations and a similar increase in birth registrations to beef cows.

Many farmers are of the opinion that mart prices are running lower than in 2025 but prices for weanlings and stores in the first half of the year are higher while heavier cattle are on a par

Beef production for the 2025-2026 financial year increased 8.6% to 2.985m tonnes on the back of cattle throughput reaching almost 10 million head.

The priority with any first-calving cows and also older cows that have raised their calves and are shy on condition should be early weaning to protect body condition.

The plant has reduced its base quote for Thursday to €7.70/kg plus its 20c/kg QA payment, while Dawn is quoting €7.80/kg.

Prices for bulls at last week’s autumn-born weanling show and sale were broadly in line with the trade in 2025.

Participants who select this optional action must carry out two faecal egg counts with a minimum of four weeks between the first and the second tests.

Farmers who wish to get a TAMS application submitted in tranche 13 have until Friday 4 September 2026 to do so

Prices for forward store and slaughter-fit bullocks and heifers have firmed slightly, while cull cows held their own on price.