UK Cattle Prices Slip for Third Week, Sheep Throughput Rises
UK Livestock Markets See Price Adjustment as Cattle Slip, Sheep Throughput Rises
GREAT BRITAIN – June 6, 2025 – British cattle prices experienced a third consecutive week of decline, while the sheep market saw varying price trends and increased throughput, according to the latest AHDB Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap for the week ending May 24, 2025.
Prime cattle prices averaged 677p/kg, marking a continued softening in the market. Despite this recent fall, current prices remain significantly higher compared to the same period last year. Estimated prime cattle slaughterings for the week decreased slightly to 35,600 head, though this figure is still 3% higher than the corresponding week in the previous year, indicating a robust level of activity in processing.
In the sheep sector, new season lamb prices, as measured by the Standard Quality Quotation (SQQ), averaged 753p/kg. In contrast, old season lamb SQQ averaged 660p/kg, reflecting the typical seasonal shift in market focus. Clean sheep slaughter figures totalled 218,400 head for the week, representing a 2% increase on the previous week and a substantial 23% rise compared to the same week last year. This higher throughput suggests a strong supply of lambs coming to market.
The AHDB report highlights ongoing adjustments within the livestock sector as market dynamics respond to supply levels and evolving demand.
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