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 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 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 – March 2025 Market Outlook

Supply Forecast

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

Outlook

See also: UK Beef Market Outlook

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

Preparing for the Global Stage

Plumpton College Supports National Talent

Industry Backing and Recognition

Original Source: BBC News

see also: Closure Threatens Sussex’s Last Abattoir

Surge in Unregulated Meat Sparks Biosecurity Concerns

The UK is facing a growing crisis as illegal meat products—bypassing essential health and safety checks—are reportedly being sold on high streets across the country. The warning comes from Lucy Manzano, head of the Dover Port Health Authority, who has raised alarms over the scale and reach of this illicit trade.

Health Risks and Regulatory Gaps

These unregulated imports pose serious risks to public health and animal biosecurity, as they often:

• Bypass veterinary inspections
• Lack traceability
• May carry diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) or African Swine Fever (ASF)

The situation has intensified following recent FMD outbreaks in Germany and Hungary, prompting calls for tighter border controls and enhanced enforcement against illegal imports

Industry and Government Response

Farmers’ unions and food safety advocates are urging the UK government to:

• Increase funding for border inspections
• Deploy advanced detection technologies
• Strengthen penalties for offenders

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) have both emphasized the need for urgent action to protect the UK’s agricultural sector and maintain consumer confidence

Conclusion

The rise of illegal meat on UK high streets is a pressing issue that threatens both food safety and livestock health. With growing concerns from industry leaders and health authorities, decisive government intervention is needed to curb this dangerous trend.

Original story: BBC News

Breakthrough Innovation in NZ Red Meat Processing

Renyu Zhang, a senior scientist at AgResearch, has been crowned the first-ever winner of New Zealand’s Dragon’s Den-style competition focused on red meat innovation. The contest was designed to inspire cutting-edge ideas that could transform the New Zealand red meat processing industry.

A Vision for the Future of Meat Processing

Zhang’s winning concept impressed judges with its potential to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and product quality across the red meat sector. The initiative, backed by industry leaders, aimed to uncover practical solutions that could be implemented within existing processing frameworks.

Industry Support and Collaboration

The competition was part of a broader effort to foster innovation in New Zealand’s meat industry, encouraging collaboration between scientists, entrepreneurs, and processors. By spotlighting fresh ideas, the challenge seeks to ensure the sector remains globally competitive and environmentally responsible.

Original story: NZ Herald

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS), has initiated legal proceedings against the Food Standards Agency (FSA) over the charges imposed on the meat industry.

Peter Hewson, Veterinary Director at AIMS, explained the rationale behind this decision: “Firstly, the FSA’s focus on discussing the meat charges as a ‘subsidy’ rather than addressing the root causes of the excessively high charges. Secondly, the significant increase in charges set to be introduced from April 2025, which will see an 11% rise for the industry overall and a 25% increase for medium-sized abattoirs.”

Legal counsel has advised that the challenge should address three key issues:

• Unlawful Cost Inclusion: The FSA has included costs in its calculation of the new hourly rates of £65.90 for an Official Veterinarian (OV) and £43.20 for a Meat Hygiene Inspector (MHI) that cannot lawfully be included.
• Transparency Issues: It is unclear which elements of the charges are “costs connected with” official controls, rather than the chargeable costs of exercising the official controls themselves, which fails to meet the requirement for high transparency.
• Excessive Enforcement Charges: Charges for enforcement activities exceed the recovery of expenses allowed by the Regulations.

“Our letter asks the FSA to strip out all costs from its hourly rates that cannot be lawfully charged, and we urge them to re-evaluate their calculations,” Hewson concluded.

This legal action marks a significant step in addressing the financial pressures faced by the meat industry due to regulatory charges.