UK Livestock Market Update: Prices and Throughput
UK Livestock Market Update: Prices and Throughput
Key Points
- Cattle Prices: GB deadweight cattle prices increased again for the week ending 01 February, with the overall all-prime price up by 16p/kg.
- Sheep Prices: Sheep prices eased, with the GB OSL SQQ at 710p/kg, despite lower numbers forward.
- Demand and Supply: Robust demand for cattle continues to drive farmgate prices higher against a backdrop of tighter supply.
Cattle
GB deadweight cattle prices rose again in the week ending 01 February. R4L steers increased by 16p/kg to average 617p/kg across GB, while R4L heifers grew by 17p/kg to 616p/kg. The overall young bull measure also gained, sitting at 580p/kg, a lift of 10p/kg. All categories are now approximately 110p higher than the same point a year ago.
Cow prices also saw sharp increases, with the overall GB price up 15p/kg week on week to 439p/kg, which is 98p/kg above the same week in 2024.
AHDB estimated slaughter indicated that prime cattle numbers were largely steady on the week, with an additional 100 head forward, totalling 34,400 head. Cow numbers eased slightly, down 4% to an estimated 10,500 head.
Robust demand for available cattle continues to drive prices upwards, with fierce competition reported for available supplies. Reports suggest that beef wholesale prices have reflected the strength of the current cattle market, with Valentine’s Day demand driving price rises, particularly for steaking cuts.
Sheep
Deadweight sheep prices fell back in the week ending 01 February, with the GB old season SQQ down 21p/kg week on week to 710p/kg. This was 67p/kg ahead of the same week last year and 204p/kg above 2023.
Estimated slaughter fell back, both on the week and compared to the same week last year, totalling 186,000 head. Poor weather during the week may have restricted numbers forward, according to reports. However, strong trade continues, particularly for export lambs.
Looking ahead to the next couple of months, processors will be looking to secure supplies for key demand periods surrounding religious festivals, Easter, and Ramadan, for both domestic and export markets.
