UK Cattle and Sheep Market Update: Prices Decline
UK Cattle and Sheep Market Update – Week Ending 21 June 2025
The UK cattle and sheep market June 2025 update from AHDB shows mixed results. Cattle prices weakened, while sheep values edged higher on tighter supplies.
Cattle Market Overview
Prime cattle deadweight prices fell across all categories. The all-prime average reached 633p/kg, which was 157p above 2024 and 202p above the five-year average.
The heifer category recorded the sharpest drop, losing 9p/kg. Steers and young bulls fell by 8p/kg and 5p/kg, respectively. Cull cow prices also eased, down 7p/kg to 503p/kg.
Slaughter numbers decreased. Prime cattle kill fell by 2,000 head to 31,700, bringing the year-to-date total to 807,200 head—a 3.2% decline year-on-year.
In contrast, store cattle values edged higher. Native steers (12–18 months) averaged £1,335.70/head, while native heifers reached £1,129/head.
Sheep Market Overview
The NSL SQQ lamb price climbed 25p/kg to 749p/kg. Clean sheep slaughter rose to 182,400 head, rebounding after lower numbers during the Qurbani period.
Year-to-date throughput now totals 5.2 million head, an increase of 3.8% compared with 2024. Importantly, new season lambs accounted for 79% of finished live market throughput, confirming the near end of carryover supplies.
Market Outlook
Overall, the UK cattle and sheep market June 2025 reflects seasonal adjustments. Cattle values softened as supplies remained steady, while lamb prices gained ground. Export demand, weather patterns, and upcoming festival-driven consumption are expected to shape the market in the weeks ahead.
Original data sourced from AHDB.
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