UK Butchers Grapple with Unprecedented Beef Price Hikes

Market Overview

UK butchers are facing mounting pressure as beef prices reach record highs in late summer 2025. The surge, driven by tight domestic supply and rising global demand, is reshaping margins and forcing retailers to reconsider product ranges and pricing strategies.

Industry reports suggest wholesale beef prices have climbed by over 20% year-on-year, with prime cuts such as sirloin and ribeye seeing the steepest increases. The impact is being felt across the supply chain — from processors to high street butchers — as cost inflation outpaces consumer price tolerance.

Supply Constraints

Several factors are contributing to the squeeze:

Reduced cattle throughput due to herd contraction and delayed finishing
Higher feed and energy costs impacting production efficiency
Labour shortages in abattoirs and cutting plants
Export demand from Asia and the Middle East driving competition for UK beef

The result is a volatile pricing environment, with weekly fluctuations making it difficult for independent butchers to plan stock and maintain consistent margins.

Retail Impact

Independent butchers are particularly vulnerable to these price hikes. Many are reporting:

Lower footfall due to rising retail prices
Increased customer resistance to premium cuts
Greater reliance on mince and value-added products
Pressure to absorb costs or reduce portion sizes

Some retailers are turning to alternative proteins — including pork and poultry — to maintain affordability and customer loyalty.

Industry Response

Trade bodies are calling for greater transparency in pricing and more support for small-scale operators. There is also growing interest in:

Direct sourcing from local farms
Collaborative buying groups to reduce costs
Digital tools for price tracking and inventory management

Processors are being urged to improve communication with retail partners to help manage expectations and plan promotions more effectively.

Outlook for Autumn 2025

While beef prices are expected to remain elevated through Q4, some analysts predict a softening in late October as slaughter volumes increase and seasonal demand shifts. However, much will depend on:

Weather conditions affecting finishing rates
Export volumes to non-EU markets
Consumer sentiment heading into the festive season

Butchers are advised to monitor pricing closely and explore flexible sourcing strategies to navigate the months ahead.

Original story: The Northern Farmer

China’s Huaxi Cattle Breed to Make International Debut

China’s Huaxi Cattle Breed to Make International Debut in Laos

BEIJING, March 14 (Xinhua) — China’s “Huaxi cattle” breed will make its first international appearance under a beef cattle breeding cooperation project with Laos, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences announced on Friday.

The project, signed in Vientiane earlier this week, will see China export 100,000 doses of frozen semen and 10 breeding bulls of the Huaxi cattle to Laos. The goal is to enhance the efficiency of beef cattle breeding and cultivate high-quality breeds in the Southeast Asian nation, according to the academy.

“This marks an important step for China’s beef cattle breeding industry into the global market, laying a solid foundation for its international development,” the academy stated.

The Huaxi cattle breed is the result of over four decades of research efforts and offers rapid growth, high-quality meat, and strong adaptability, with performance metrics matching international advanced levels. A mature bull weighs up to approximately 900 kg.

Some 23,400 Huaxi cattle have been bred across 12 Chinese provincial-level regions, supported by an advanced breeding database in addition to a network of breeding farms and bull stations, the academy reported.

Original story: Xinhua

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market Update

Cyclone Alfred Impacts Slaughter and Yardings Across Australia

The Australian livestock market continues to feel the effects of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with significant disruptions to cattle and sheep slaughter volumes and yardings. Despite these challenges, cattle prices have strengthened, and restocker interest is rising, driven by the return of domestic processors.

Cattle Market Overview

Yardings dropped by 31,624 to 43,942 head due to weather disruptions and producers in New England holding cattle in anticipation of rainfall.
Cattle prices rose nationally, with the Dairy Cow Indicator up 25¢ to 242¢/kg liveweight (lwt).
Victorian prices saw a notable lift of 27¢, while Wagga producers responded positively to rainfall forecasts, pushing the Restocker Yearling Steer Indicator up 18¢.
National average price increased by 11¢ to 364¢/kg lwt.

Sheep and Lamb Market Trends

Trade Lamb Indicator rose 9¢ to 795¢/kg carcase weight (cwt), supported by renewed processor demand.
Price movements varied by state: Victoria saw a slight 1¢ drop, while NSW prices lifted by 8¢.
Heavy lambs over 30kg were in short supply, while lighter lambs increased, causing a 17¢ drop to 729¢/kg cwt.

Slaughter Statistics – Week Ending March 7, 2025

Cattle:

Total slaughter fell by 14,116 to 133,017 head.
Queensland saw the largest decline (13,967 head) due to processor shutdowns.
NSW, SA, and Victoria remained relatively stable.

Sheep and Lamb:

Combined slaughter eased by 25,618 to 699,627 head.
Sheep slaughter dropped by 13,756 to 205,728 head, mainly in Victoria (-5,374) and WA (-11,758).
NSW sheep slaughter increased by 2,634 head, keeping overall sheep slaughter 1.4% above the same period last year.
Lamb slaughter declined by 11,862 to 493,899 head, with reductions in NSW (-3,685), Victoria (-1,484), and WA (-6,427).

Conclusion

Despite weather-related disruptions, the Australian cattle and sheep markets remain resilient. Rising prices and renewed processor activity are supporting market stability, while slaughter volumes reflect ongoing challenges. Producers are cautiously optimistic as rainfall forecasts and restocker demand signal potential recovery.

MLA

Irish Lamb Prices Drop Amid Tight Supplies and Stable Demand

Market Overview

Irish lamb prices have seen a surprising dip in recent weeks, despite a backdrop of tight supply and consistent consumer demand. The trend has raised eyebrows across the meat trade, particularly among processors and exporters who expected firmer pricing heading into Q4.

According to industry sources, the average factory quote for spring lamb has softened by 10–15c/kg compared to early August, with base prices now hovering around €6.20/kg. This comes at a time when throughput remains constrained and flock numbers are under pressure due to weather-related challenges and rising input costs.

Supply Chain Pressures

Irish sheep farmers are grappling with several headwinds:

Reduced lamb numbers due to lower birth rates and delayed finishing
Weather volatility, especially in western counties, impacting grass growth and weight gain
Labour shortages in processing plants, slowing kill rates and affecting throughput

Despite these constraints, the market has not responded with upward price pressure — a sign that demand, while stable, is not accelerating.

Demand Holding Steady

Domestic retail demand for lamb remains consistent, with strong support from independent butchers and premium outlets. However, export markets — particularly in continental Europe — have shown signs of caution.

Buyers in France and Germany are reportedly holding back amid economic uncertainty and currency fluctuations. This has led to a more cautious approach to forward contracts and spot buying.

Export Implications

The drop in prices could have mixed implications for Irish exporters:

Short-term competitiveness may improve, especially in price-sensitive markets
Margin pressure could increase for processors facing higher operating costs
NZ lamb competition remains a factor, particularly in frozen categories

With New Zealand lamb continuing to enter the EU at competitive rates, Irish exporters may need to sharpen their value proposition — focusing on quality, traceability, and sustainability.

Outlook for Q4 2025

Looking ahead, industry analysts expect prices to stabilise if supply remains tight and demand holds. However, much will depend on:

Kill volumes in September and October
Export demand in key EU markets
Retail promotions and seasonal buying patterns

Processors are advised to monitor carcass weights and grading closely, as mis-shapes and trimming issues could impact returns — especially in frozen formats.

Bord Bia

Tight Supplies Drive Irish Pig Prices Upward

Irish Pig Prices on the Rise Amid Tight Supplies

Deadweight pig prices in Ireland are climbing due to relatively tight supplies for slaughter. Last week, prices increased by 4c/kg, with producers reporting rates ranging from €2.10 to €2.14/kg from processors.

The average price for grade E pig prices in Ireland for the week ending 8th March 2025 was €2.02/kg excluding VAT. This is 1.8% lower than the same week last year, when the price was €1.98/kg.

The EU average price for grade E carcass for the same week was €1.81/kg excluding VAT, showing a slight increase from the previous week but still 14% lower than the same month last year.

Throughput and Demand

While throughput has improved in the last quarter, demand continues to outpace supplies. Total throughput year-to-date is 628,256, slightly behind the corresponding period in 2024. For the week ending 8th March, the throughput was 64,342, including 1,929 sows.

Bord Bia

Irish Cattle & Beef Market Update on Tight Supply

Cattle & Beef Market Update

With cattle availability for processing remaining tight across much of Europe and the UK, the deadweight cattle trade has continued to perform strongly. The tightness in beef availability combined with stable demand for beef in key export markets has contributed to the recent uplifts in the deadweight beef trade.

Quotes from major processors for prime cattle have continued to trend upward, with the balance between supply and demand currently in favour of producers. Base quotes for steers are in the region of €6.80-€6.90/kg, while quotes for 8th March 2025 range around €7.00-€7.10/kg. Reports have indicated higher prices have been negotiated with producer groups and factories offering increased bonuses. R grading young bulls under 24 months of age are steady, generally working off a base of €7.10-€7.20/kg.

The cow trade also remains very strong but has taken a further jump this week with strong demand for well-fleshed cows in particular. R grading cows are being quoted at €6.80/kg, while quotes for O grading cows range from €6.50-€6.60/kg depending on quality and carcase weight. Meanwhile, factories are quoting for well-covered P grading cows generally starting at €6.25-€6.30/kg with room for negotiation.

For the week ending 2nd March 2025, the Irish R3 steer price increased by 13c/kg to €6.61/kg, while the R3 heifer price increased by 15c/kg to €6.62/kg. Irish prices continue to trend higher than the EU average, although in the last few weeks prices have recorded similar levels of increase across the trading bloc as cattle supplies tighten.

The average R3 young bull price in the EU last week was €6.22/kg, up 6c/kg from the previous week. In the UK, tighter cattle supplies and firm demand have meant deadweight beef prices have continued to firm. This week, the average UK R3 steer price increased by 1c/kg to €7.61/kg. Note that reported prices exclude VAT but include all bonus payments such as in-spec bonus, breed-based producer groups, etc.

Throughput:

There were 38,528 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants last week, an increase of just over 1,600 head from the same week in 2024. Total cattle throughput for the first 10 weeks of the year is on par with 2024 levels at 363,090 head.

However, cattle availability for slaughter is expected to contract in the weeks ahead. A strong live export trade and the processing of cattle at younger ages and lighter carcase weights in quarter 4 of 2024 have contributed to a contraction in cattle numbers of slaughter age currently on farms. Average carcase weights have continued to trend below previous years, and this downward trend in average carcase weights is expected to continue in the short to medium term, with calf registrations to suckler cows continuing to decline, while the number of beef-sired calves produced from the dairy herd continues to increase.

Bord Bia

Cattle Prices Surge, Lamb Steady – AHDB

Cattle Market

Prime cattle prices have shown renewed strength due to a slowdown in supply. The overall steer price increased by 13p to average 655p/kg, while heifer prices also grew by 13p to average 652p/kg. Steers achieving R4L specification averaged 667p/kg, up 14p on the week, and R4L heifers averaged 663p/kg, up 12p on the week. The overall young bull price rose by nearly 11p to average 634p/kg.

Deadweight cow prices showed more muted growth, with the overall average price up 1p from the previous week to 486p/kg. This marks the third consecutive week of slowed price growth, raising the question of whether cow prices have reached their peak, up £1.38/kg compared to this time last year.

GB prime cattle slaughter plateaued in the week ending 8 March, with an estimated kill of 35,900 head, stable from the previous week. An increase in heifer kill outweighed reductions in steers. Meanwhile, cow slaughter fell further, down 700 head to an estimated 9,100 animals.

Beef demand remains strong, with recent retail figures showing annual gains in volume sales, contributing to spend growth over the past 12-week period. Mince, stewing, and burgers & grills are particularly in growth, while the roasting category is showing annual losses.

Sheep Market

For the week ending 8 March, the GB deadweight old season lamb SQQ averaged 739p/kg, up 1p from the previous week. This measure is 5p below where it was at the same point a year ago, marking the first time it has been lower year-on-year since July 2023.

At this point last year, prices were rallying due to supply constraints, export growth, and the proximity of Ramadan and Easter pushing demand. Continued tight supply and strong demand through the end of 2024 meant the SQQ started 2025 significantly above its position the previous year (+90p).

Since the start of the year, the measure has moved largely sideways, with lower supply balanced by weaker domestic demand. Prices from Rungis wholesale market suggest a balanced export market picture overall, although prices appear to have picked up into March. Official export figures for January are awaited.

Estimated clean sheep slaughter rose further to total 236,200 head for the week, up 3,300 head from the previous week. This was 4% above the estimated kill for the same week a year ago.

Original story: AHDB

Warwickshire Abattoir Under Investigation

Warwickshire Abattoir Under Investigation Following Allegations of Animal Welfare Violations

Authorities are investigating serious allegations raised in a recent media article regarding an abattoir in Warwickshire. The claims have prompted a thorough investigation by local law enforcement and relevant agencies.

Detective Chief Inspector David Andrews stated, “Following our visit on Monday 3 March, we are working with partners including the Home Office and Food Standards Agency to take appropriate action regarding the issues identified. Since our visit, and in light of the footage shared by the Independent, which we believe was filmed in July 2024, we can confirm that we have recorded a suspected offence of unnecessary suffering to a protected animal under animal welfare legislation.”

DCI Andrews emphasised that while the investigation into animal welfare is underway, further details cannot be disclosed to avoid jeopardising any future proceedings.

Inspector Andi Gibbons from the North Warwickshire Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) reassured the community, stating, “Our safer neighbourhood officers will continue to engage with the community and we wish to reassure you that these matters are being dealt with. If you do have concerns, please reach out to our team.”

Residents can find their local SNT, their priorities, and contact information by typing their postcode into the interactive map on the Warwickshire Police website. Additionally, regular updates about local policing can be received by signing up to the Warwickshire Connected community messaging service.

Warwickshire Police

Irish Cattle Shortages Forecast

Irish Cattle Shortages Forecast – March 2025 Market Outlook

Irish cattle shortages March 2025 are expected to impact beef supply and pricing across the country. Processors and exporters are preparing for reduced availability of finished cattle, with implications for procurement and market stability heading into Q2.

Supply Forecast

The Irish beef sector is facing tightening supply conditions, with factory throughput falling steadily since early February. Several plants are operating below capacity, and processors are reporting difficulty sourcing cattle that meet premium specifications.

Mild weather has allowed producers to extend grazing, delaying turnoff and reducing the flow of cattle to processors. This trend is contributing to the anticipated livestock supply shortage in Ireland, which could affect both domestic and export markets.

Market Drivers

Lower Kill Numbers: Weekly slaughter volumes have dropped, reflecting a slowdown in cattle movement.
Export Demand: Strong demand from the UK and continental Europe continues to pressure domestic supply.
Farmer Strategy: Many producers are holding back stock in anticipation of improved Irish beef prices.

Industry Sentiment

Processors are increasingly offering forward contracts to secure cattle ahead of the expected shortfall. The Irish cattle market outlook suggests heightened competition for finished animals, particularly those suitable for retail and foodservice channels.

Outlook

The forecasted cattle supply shortage in Ireland is likely to shape pricing trends through spring. Stakeholders across the Irish meat trade will need to monitor conditions closely and adjust procurement strategies to manage risk and maintain continuity.

UK Butchers Train at Plumpton College for World Butchers’ Challenge 2025

UK Butchers Prepare for World Butchers’ Challenge – Training at East Sussex College

Preparing for the Global Stage

A team of skilled UK butchers is training at Plumpton College in East Sussex ahead of the World Butchers’ Challenge 2025, which will take place in Paris later this year. Often referred to as the “Olympics of butchery,” the event showcases speed, precision, and creativity from top butchers around the world.

Plumpton College Supports National Talent

Plumpton College offers excellent facilities for butchery training. Under expert guidance, the team is refining their cutting techniques and presentation skills. They are also focusing on teamwork, which is essential for success in international competitions.

The UK butchery team includes professionals from across the country. Each member was selected for their experience and passion. Their training covers primal cuts, seam butchery, hygiene, and creative displays.

Industry Backing and Recognition

The British meat industry is backing the team. Suppliers, processors, and trade bodies have offered support. This event highlights the value of traditional butchery and its role in today’s food sector.

Moreover, the World Butchers’ Challenge Paris 2025 provides a platform to promote British butchery. It also helps inspire future talent and raise awareness of meat skills across the UK.

Original Source: BBC News