22 Dec 2025
UK Beef and Sheep Numbers Fall as Prices Hold
Read full article
UK Beef and Sheep Numbers Contract While Prices Hold Up
UK beef and sheep numbers continue to tighten, but prices have remained resilient, according to the latest analysis reported by Farmers Weekly based on Defra survey data.
Defra’s latest survey shows the UK cattle herd has fallen 1.3% to 9.3m head, with the breeding beef herd down 4.1%. Sheep numbers are also contracting. Despite this, tight supply continues to support strong finished beef and lamb prices.
Supply constraints are expected to remain a key market driver into 2026.
Source article: Farmers Weekly | 22 December 2025
Read full article Share on X