Average beef carcass weights increased in all categories for the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, according to data from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Average steer carcass weights increased by over 24kg from January to March of 2026 when compared to the same time period of 2025.

The average heifer carcass weight increased by almost 17kg in the same time period, while average young bull carcass weights increased by 14kg and cow carcass weights by 11kg.

The table below details the average beef carcass weights by category in kgs for Q1 2025 and Q1 2026 and the kg difference:

Average carcass weights had been in decline in the final quarter of 2024 and in early 2025 but have been increasing throughout 2025 and into the first quarter of this year.

According to Bord Bia, this trend is being attributed to a combination of factors, including continued industry collaboration and on-farm investment in the use of better genetics.

As well as this, the improved grazing weather conditions in 2025 helped increase carcass weights.

However, Bord Bia has also noted that producers are retaining animals and pushing cattle into higher weights at finishing.

Looking specifically at March 2026, the average steer carcass weight was 362kg versus 333kg in the same month of 2025.

In March 2026, the average heifer carcass weight was 319kg versus 300kg in March of 2025.

Carcass weights

The news of rising carcass weights will be seen as a positive development for both farmers and processors in the Irish beef industry.

Looking at the full-year average, there had been industry concerns in recent years at an overall declining trend until 2025.

Full-year average beef carcass weights increased in 2025 after having been in decline since 2020.

From 2020 to 2024, the average full-year steer carcass weight fell from 360-340kg before recording a 7kg rise in 2025 to 347kg.