UK Livestock Markets Show Mixed Signals as Autumn Trading Begins

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Weekly Market Update: Cattle and Sheep Trends – August 2025

The latest figures from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) offer a mixed picture for the UK cattle and sheep markets, with subtle shifts in pricing and throughput reflecting broader seasonal and environmental pressures.

Cattle Market Overview

In the week ending 23 August, the GB all prime average deadweight price remained largely stable, dipping marginally by 0.1p to 641.2p/kg. Steer and heifer prices saw minimal movement, each adjusting by just 0.5p. However, young bulls experienced a more notable decline, falling by 1.6p to 635p/kg.

Prime cattle throughput increased slightly to 32,500 head, marking a 3% rise compared to the same week last year. Despite this, year-to-date figures show a 4% decline in prime slaughter numbers, down by 49,000 head.

Cull cow slaughter surged by 11% week-on-week, reaching 8,500 head. Interestingly, this rise in volume was accompanied by a price increase, with the average deadweight price climbing by 3.4p to 511.8p/kg. Cows graded -O4L achieved a higher average of 544.7p/kg.

Store cattle prices showed varied movement. Native steers aged 12–18 months rose by £43 to £1,494/head, while continental steers in the same category fell by £9 to £1,734/head. Older store cattle generally saw price reductions, possibly reflecting producers’ focus on securing longer-term supply contracts.

Sheep Market Snapshot

Lamb prices faced downward pressure, with the GB NSL deadweight SQQ falling by 19p to 735p/kg. Estimated lamb slaughter rose by 11,000 head, totalling 197,000 for the week.

Liveweight markets reported challenges in lamb finish and quality, particularly in drought-affected regions across the North and West. These conditions are expected to persist, potentially influencing market dynamics in the coming weeks.

Liveweight finished lamb prices also declined, with the NSL SQQ dropping by 23p/kg to 317.1p/kg. This comes despite a reduction in store lamb throughput by approximately 1,600 head.

Source: AHDB


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