Australian Cattle and Sheep Markets Surge as Prices Hit New Highs

July 4, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

Australia’s cattle and sheep markets saw significant price increases in early July, with several indicators reaching record highs, according to the latest report from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)

Cattle Market Highlights

• The Feeder Steer Indicator rose by 20¢ to 417¢/kg liveweight (lwt), outpacing the Restocker Steer Indicator by 17¢.
• Heavy Steer prices also climbed, lifting 23¢ to 373¢/kg lwt, driven by limited supply and strong processor interest.
• Queensland recorded the largest price increase at 29¢, while New South Wales saw a more modest rise of 6¢.
• National cattle slaughter reached 158,922 head, the highest weekly total since December 2019, with Queensland leading the surge.

Sheep Market Highlights

• All lamb indicators hit record highs, except for the Mutton Indicator, which still approached its peak.
• The Heavy Lamb Indicator jumped 68¢ to 1,099¢/kg carcase weight (cwt), while the Trade Lamb Indicator rose 48¢ to 1,072¢/kg cwt.
• The Merino Lamb Indicator increased 73¢ to 936¢/kg cwt, with trade weights fetching up to $232/head at Dubbo.
• Sheep and lamb yardings fell by over 19,000 head, and slaughter numbers dropped by nearly 92,000 due to processor maintenance shutdowns.

Despite seasonal tightening in supply, strong demand from both restockers and processors continues to drive competition and price growth across the board.

Original data sourced from Meat & Livestock Australia 

Australian Beef Exports Hit Record Highs Amid Global Supply Tightening

July 04, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

Australian beef exports have reached unprecedented levels, with June 2025 setting a new monthly record of 134,593 tonnes, according to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)

Key Drivers of Demand

• Global supply constraints: Reduced output from competing beef-exporting nations has opened up opportunities for Australian producers.
• Reputation for quality: Australian beef continues to earn international acclaim, with 38 of the 101 restaurants listed in the World’s Best Steaks guide featuring it on their menus.
• Market diversity: While the United States remains the top destination, exports to China, Japan, and Korea remain strong. The share of exports to other markets also rose from 18% in June 2024 to 20% in June 2025.
• Grainfed beef boom: Grainfed exports surged by 29% year-on-year, reaching a record 39,887 tonnes in June. The ten highest months for grain fed exports have all occurred within the past year.

With slaughter numbers remaining high and carcase weights above average, MLA expects export momentum to continue through the second half of 2025.

Original reporting by Meat & Livestock Australia 

UK Cattle and Sheep Market Update: Lamb Prices Rise, Cattle Prices Ease

July 3, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

The latest market data from AHDB for the week ending 21 June 2025 shows diverging trends in the UK livestock sector, with lamb prices climbing while cattle prices softened

Cattle Market Overview

• Prime cattle deadweight prices fell across all categories, with the all-prime average at 633p/kg—still 157p/kg higher than the same week in 2024 and 202p/kg above the five-year average.
• Heifer prices saw the largest drop, down 9p/kg, while steers and young bulls declined by 8p/kg and 5p/kg, respectively.
• Cull cow prices also fell by 7p/kg to 503p/kg, with slaughter numbers down 12% year-on-year.
• Prime cattle slaughter dropped to 31,700 head, bringing the year-to-date total to 807,200 head, down 3.2% from 2024.
• Store cattle prices rose, with native steers (12–18 months) averaging £1,335.70/head and native heifers £1,129/head.

Sheep Market Overview

• The NSL SQQ lamb price rose by 25p/kg to 749p/kg.
• Clean sheep slaughter increased to 182,400 head, rebounding after a dip during the Qurbani period.
• Year-to-date slaughter reached 5.2 million head, up 3.8% year-on-year.
• New season lambs now make up 79% of finished live market throughput, indicating the end of carryover supply.

These figures reflect a tightening sheep supply and continued seasonal shifts in cattle throughput.

Original data sourced from AHDB 

Turkey Temporarily Closes Livestock Markets Amid Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak

July 2, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

In response to a resurgence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Turkish authorities have temporarily shut down livestock markets across the country to contain the outbreak. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, aims to prevent further spread of the highly contagious virus among cloven-hoofed animals.

Key Measures Implemented

• Nationwide closure of livestock markets and animal movements restricted in affected regions.
• Vaccination campaigns intensified, particularly in high-risk provinces.
• Surveillance and biosecurity protocols have been strengthened at farms and transport hubs.

The outbreak has raised concerns among exporters and domestic producers, especially after the Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha) period, when livestock sales typically surge. Authorities are urging farmers to comply with the restrictions to avoid long-term economic and animal health consequences.

Foot-and-mouth disease, while not a threat to human health, can cause severe losses in livestock productivity and trade.

Original reporting by Reuters.

European Beef Production Falls by 56,000 Tonnes in Q1 2025

June 27, 2025 – According to the latest update from AHDB, beef production across the European Union dropped by 3% in the first quarter of 2025, equating to a reduction of 56,000 tonnes compared to the same period in 2024. Total EU beef output for Q1 stood at 1.58 million tonnes.

Key Drivers Behind the Decline

• The most significant production drops were recorded in France, Germany, and the Netherlands, largely due to the impact of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3).
• Structural herd reductions and profitability challenges also contributed to the decline.
• In contrast, Poland and Ireland saw increased production, driven by strong domestic prices and export demand.

Trade and Market Implications

• Despite lower production, EU beef demand remains strong, prompting a rise in imports.
• EU-27 beef imports increased by 11% year-on-year in Q1, reaching approximately 77,000 tonnes.
• The UK remains the largest beef supplier to the EU, though South American countries—notably Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay—also saw significant growth in export volumes to the region.

Outlook for UK Exporters

With EU production tightening and demand holding firm, UK beef exporters may find new opportunities to expand market share on the continent.

Original data sourced from AHDB 

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market: Prices Hold Steady Amid Strong Slaughter Volumes

June 28, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

According to the latest market wrap from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) cattle prices remained steady while lamb prices eased slightly during the week ending 27 June 2025. The market was shaped by strong demand, shifting quality, and record slaughter volumes.

Cattle Market Highlights

• Cattle prices held firm, supported by strong demand for restocker steers and processor cows.
• The Restocker Steer Indicator rose by 11¢ to 391¢/kg liveweight (lwt), while the Restocker Heifer Indicator eased 9¢ to 312¢/kg lwt.
• Processor Cow Indicator lifted 9¢ to 291¢/kg lwt, with prices reaching 360¢/kg lwt at Dubbo.
• Cattle slaughter reached 153,442 head, the highest weekly total since December 2019, with significant increases in Victoria and New South Wales.

Sheep Market Highlights

• Lamb prices eased across most indicators due to declining quality and increased buyer selectivity.
• The Heavy Lamb Indicator dropped 32¢ to 1,028¢/kg carcase weight (cwt), while the Trade Lamb Indicator also fell.
• The Mutton Indicator declined 28¢ to 644¢/kg cwt, with quality issues driving prices down at key saleyards.
• Lamb slaughter rose to 445,799 head, while sheep slaughter fell to 159,701 head, with year-on-year sheep slaughter down 8%.

These figures reflect a market balancing strong processing demand with seasonal shifts in livestock quality and availability.

Original data sourced from Meat & Livestock Australia 

UK Cattle and Sheep Market Update: Week Ending 21 June 2025

June 27, 2025  – The latest market data from AHDB shows mixed trends across the UK cattle and sheep sectors for the week ending 21 June 2025

• Prime cattle deadweight prices fell across all categories, with the all-prime average price at 633p/kg—still 157p/kg higher than the same week in 2024 and 202p/kg above the five-year average.
• The heifer category saw the largest weekly drop, down 9p/kg, while steers and young bulls fell by 8p/kg and 5p/kg, respectively.
• Cull cow prices also declined by 7p/kg to 503p/kg.
• Prime cattle slaughter dropped by 2,000 head to 31,700, bringing the year-to-date total to 807,200 head, down 3.2% from last year.
• Store cattle prices rose slightly, with native steers (12–18 months) averaging £1,335.70/head and native heifers £1,129/head.

Sheep Market Overview

• The NSL SQQ lamb price increased by 25p/kg to 749p/kg.
• Clean sheep slaughter rose to 182,400 head, following a dip during the Qurbani period.
• Year-to-date slaughter is now 5.2 million head, up 3.8% year-on-year.
• New season lambs accounted for 79% of finished live market throughput, indicating the end of carryover supply.

These figures reflect a dynamic market shaped by seasonal shifts, export demand, and evolving supply patterns.

Original data sourced from AHDB.

Stornoway Abattoir Faces Uncertain Future Amid Declining Use and Rising Costs

June 25, 2025  – Concerns are growing over the future of the UK’s only local authority-run abattoir, located in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, as usage continues to decline and operational costs rise. The facility, operated by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, has struggled to meet its income targets, falling short of its £184,000 goal last year.

At a recent meeting of the local authority’s transport and infrastructure committee, Lochs councillor Angus Morrison urged crofters to make greater use of the abattoir, warning: “It is either use it or lose it.” He acknowledged the difficulty of raising slaughter fees—set to increase by 5%, bringing the cost of processing a sheep to around £44—but emphasized the need for sustainability.

The committee also heard that some crofters are opting to slaughter livestock at home, bypassing the facility altogether. Additionally, a decline in sheep numbers across the Western Isles is believed to be contributing to the reduced throughput.

Councillor Donald Crichton highlighted that bureaucratic hurdles are discouraging crofters from expanding their flocks, further impacting the viability of the abattoir. Last year, the council used £50,000 from Crown Estate funding to support the site, and delayed its seasonal opening to save an additional £14,000.

The future of the Stornoway abattoir remains uncertain, with local leaders calling for community support to preserve this vital rural service.

Based on reporting by BBC News. 

June 25, 2025  – Australia’s sheep meat industry is experiencing a remarkable boom, with record prices and soaring export volumes marking a strong recovery from last year’s oversupply crisis.

According to a recent report by Reuters, the country has capitalised on tightening global supplies and rising demand, particularly from the United States and China.

In the first five months of 2025, Australian sheep meat exports surged by 40% compared to the same period last year. This growth has been driven by a combination of favourable weather conditions, improved pasture availability, and strategic herd rebuilding efforts following a challenging 2023, when prices plummeted due to an oversupply of livestock.

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) reports that lamb prices have reached unprecedented levels, with average export values climbing significantly. The U.S. has emerged as the top destination for Australian lamb, while China remains a key market for mutton.

Industry analysts suggest that the current momentum could continue into the second half of the year, provided global demand remains strong and Australia maintains its competitive edge in quality and supply chain efficiency.

This resurgence is a welcome boost for Australian farmers and exporters, many of whom faced financial strain during the previous downturn. It also underscores the resilience of the red meat sector and its ability to adapt to shifting market dynamics.

Original reporting by Reuters. Read the full article here.

USDA Explores Poultry Bird Flu Vaccination Plan Amid Export Concerns

Washington D.C., USA – 21 June 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is developing a potential plan to vaccinate poultry against bird flu for the first time, an initiative that includes a crucial assessment of how such a programme might impact vital export markets. This move comes as the agency advances its evaluation of a vaccine following proposals from associations representing the devastated egg and turkey industries.

Since 2022, nearly 175 million chickens, turkeys and other birds have been culled in the United States in attempts to contain outbreaks of avian influenza. This is the nation’s most severe animal-health emergency.

The extensive loss of egg-laying hens, in particular, led to record egg prices this year, prompting grocers to ration supplies, restaurants to increase prices, and food manufacturers to boost imports from countries including Turkey, Brazil, and South Korea. In response to the crisis, the USDA had previously pledged up to $100 million for research into vaccines and other therapies to combat the virus. The USDA has also spent more than $1 billion compensating farmers for culled flocks, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Industry members anticipate the USDA to finalise its written plan by July. The department confirmed this week that it is collaborating with federal, state, and industry officials, as well as engaging with international trading partners, to develop this comprehensive strategy.

A proposed plan submitted to the USDA by an industry group representing egg producers suggests an initial vaccination for baby chicks, followed by a booster shot and regular testing of flocks. This approach aims to reduce susceptibility to infection while increasing monitoring for outbreaks. Under this proposal, flocks that test positive would still be culled, a measure deemed important for satisfying importers.

Original reporting by Reuters: USDA develops potential plan to vaccinate poultry for bird flu