Updated Irish cow market prices, trends & farmer stories. See how beef and dairy cows really stack up.
Latest price reports (ICSA, Jan 2026) place R3 steers between 700 and 720 c/kg and heifers 710–730 c/kg, with cows around 670–680 c/kg. Supplies are tight but heavier carcase weights
and softer demand are capping further increases.
Monitor carcass weights and finish cattle before any possible price corrections.
Base milk prices for December/January now average 34–36 c/L, with bonuses lifting total returns to roughly 37–42 c/L (sources: Kerry Dairy Ireland and Tirlán price updates). Net margin for 2026 is forecast at about 11–12 c/L on efficient farms (Teagasc outlook).
Raising cows in Ireland is more than just a business—it’s a calling, and a daily grind. You’ve raised calves on powdered milk, forked straw in the dark, waited on the AI man, watched the vet's bill grow. And still, there’s nothing simple about getting paid.
You can do everything right—manage grass, minerals, and the herd, but the margin is thin, and the risk is always there. Steer prices might be high today, but costs are climbing too. Weather, markets, and new rules keep you on your toes.
But you do it because it’s in your blood. These are real stories, real figures. The best way to see the reality? Compare your cow returns to other options below.
