GB Cattle Prices Edge Higher as Sheep Trade Eases
GB Cattle Prices Edge Higher as Sheep Trade Eases
24 October 2025 | United Kingdom The latest update on the GB cattle and sheep market wrap provides insights into current trends and pricing.
Beef prices in Great Britain rose slightly in mid-October as tight supplies continued to underpin the market, while sheep values eased under the weight of higher throughput. Retail data shows consumers paying more but purchasing less across both red-meat categories.
Cattle Market
For the week ending 18 October, the GB all-prime average deadweight cattle price increased by 2p/kg to reach 646p/kg, up 135p/kg on the same week last year.
-
Steers: 648p/kg (+2p)
-
Heifers: 646p/kg (+3p)
-
Young bulls: 633p/kg (-1p)
-
Cows: 516p/kg (+1p)
Prime cattle slaughter was estimated at 32,600 head, unchanged week-on-week, leaving year-to-date throughput down 5 % at 1.26 million head.
Cull-cow slaughter also remains 5 % lower year-to-date, at 367,000 head, contributing to the firm price trend.
Retail data from Numerator UK shows beef spend up 9.5 % year-on-year, driven by an 18 % rise in average price despite a 7.2 % fall in volume. Analysts warn that sustained price inflation could test demand as the festive season approaches.
Sheep Market
Finished-lamb prices slipped again, with the deadweight NSL SQQ falling 4p/kg to 662p/kg in the week ending 18 October.
Clean-sheep slaughter reached 241,600 head, up 2 % from the previous week and 3 % higher year-to-date. Numbers have stayed above 2024 levels for the past month, reflecting strong marketings and adequate supply.
Market reports described a mixed picture across regions, with variable quality and demand. Finished animals continue to meet the strongest bids, while lighter or plainer types face softer interest.
On the retail side, lamb sales volumes fell 16.7 % year-on-year, and spend declined 13 %, although average prices rose 4.4 %. Lamb steaks were one of the few cuts showing volume growth during the period.
Source: Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), 24 October 2025.
Read full article Share on X