Pig slaughterings in Ireland increased by 4.5% between January and September 2026 when compared with the same nine-month period in 2025, according to figures released today by the Central Statistics Office.
The data also shows that cattle slaughterings decreased by 3.7% over the same period, while sheep slaughterings fell by 1.2%. However, when comparing September 2026 alone with September 2025, all three livestock categories recorded increases.
Key figures
- Cattle slaughterings decreased by 3.7% to 1.2m heads between January and September 2026 compared with the same period in 2025
- Pig slaughterings grew by 4.5% to 2.6m heads in the first nine months of 2026, up 115,000 heads on the same period in 2025
- Sheep slaughterings dropped by 1.2% to 1.7m heads between January and September 2026, down 21,000 heads when compared with the same months in 2025
- Cattle slaughterings in September 2026 increased by 9.3% to 149,000 heads when compared with September 2025
- Pig slaughterings rose by 8.8% to 316,000 heads in September 2026 compared with September 2025
- Sheep slaughterings in September 2026 were 212,000 heads, an increase of 3.8% when compared with September 2025
Monthly trends show variation
The monthly comparison for September 2026 versus September 2025 revealed growth across all livestock categories. The number of cattle slaughtered in September 2026 grew by 13,000 heads to 149,000 heads. Sheep slaughterings in September 2026 increased by 8,000 heads to 212,000 heads. The number of pigs slaughtered in September 2026 rose by 26,000 heads to 316,000 heads.
This monthly uptick contrasts with the overall year to date trend for cattle and sheep, which both saw declines. Cattle slaughterings in the year January to September 2026 decreased by 47,000 heads compared with the same period in 2025.
Considerations for agriculture and food sectors
The divergent trends between livestock categories may warrant attention from businesses operating in Irish agriculture and the economy more broadly. The sustained growth in pig slaughterings throughout the nine-month period could reflect shifts in production capacity or market conditions in the pork sector. Conversely, the decline in cattle slaughterings may have implications for beef processing facilities and related supply chains.
The monthly increase across all three categories in September 2026 compared with September 2025 suggests potential seasonal factors or short-term market dynamics at play. Businesses involved in meat processing, distribution and export may need to consider how these slaughtering patterns align with production planning and inventory management. The figures also provide context for understanding activity levels in the agri-food sector, which represents a significant component of Irish economic output.
Source: Central Statistics Office, Livestock Slaughterings September 2026
