UK Cattle and Sheep Market Update: Lamb Prices Rise, Cattle Prices Ease
UK Cattle and Sheep Market Update – Lamb Prices Rise, Cattle Prices Ease
The UK cattle and sheep market showed mixed trends during the week ending 21 June 2025, according to the latest data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). Lamb prices increased, while cattle prices softened across most categories
Cattle Market Overview
Prime cattle deadweight prices fell across all classifications. The all-prime average stood at 633p/kg, which remains 157p/kg higher than the same week in 2024 and 202p/kg above the five-year average.
- Heifer prices recorded the largest drop, down 9p/kg.
- Steer and young bull prices declined by 8p/kg and 5p/kg respectively.
- Cull cow prices fell by 7p/kg to 503p/kg.
- Prime cattle slaughter dropped to 31,700 head, bringing the year-to-date total to 807,200 head, a 3.2 per cent decline compared to 2024.
- Store cattle prices rose, with native steers (12–18 months) averaging £1,335.70 per head and native heifers £1,129 per head.
Sheep Market Overview
The sheep market saw a rebound in lamb prices and slaughter volumes.
- The NSL SQQ lamb price rose by 25p/kg to 749p/kg.
- Clean sheep slaughter increased to 182,400 head, recovering after a dip during the Qurbani period.
- Year-to-date slaughter reached 5.2 million head, up 3.8 per cent year-on-year.
- New season lambs now account for 79 per cent of finished live market throughput, signalling the end of carryover supply.
Market Outlook
The UK cattle and sheep market continues to reflect seasonal shifts and supply dynamics. While cattle prices have eased slightly, lamb prices are strengthening due to tightening supply and increased throughput of new season lambs.
Original data sourced from AHDB
