Throughput

There were 40,777  cattle processed in DAFM approved plants last week, an uplift of just over 430 head from the previous week. This uplift is primarily due to an increase in the cow kill when compared to the previous week.

Prime cattle throughput YTD is currently on par with the same period last year at 1,051,293 head although a notable tightening in prime cattle availability is expected as we move into the final quarter of the year. A contraction in cattle numbers on the ground and a lively export trade have contributed to this outlook with numbers expected to remain tight for much of 2025.

Average carcase weights also continue to trend below previous years with the combination of a challenging grass growing season and a growing dairy influence on the prime cattle kill playing a role in the decline. The 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.

Prices

There was a lift in the steady base quotes at Irish meat plants this week in response to tighter supplies and an expected increase in retail and foodservice demand for the Christmas period. In general, producers were offered a base price of €5.10/kg for steers with reports of up to €5.30/kg available. Starting quotes for heifers are in the region of €5.15/kg this week with similar room for negotiation being reported.

The trade for young bulls was also described as steady, with prices of between €5.35/kg and €5.40/kg on-offer for R grading animals under 24 months of age.

The cow trade remains relatively steady, with well-fleshed O+ grading suckler cows being offered prices of €4.55-4.65/kg, while prices for O grading dairy cows generally range from €4.65-4.75/kg. A significant proportion of the cow kill have achieved a conformation score of P in recent months and the prices available for these animals vary significantly based on grade, weight and quality.

For the week ending 19th October 2024, the average price paid by Irish beef processors for R3 increased slightly by 2c/kg to be at €5.07/kg. This remained 49c/kg ahead the corresponding week in 2023 when the R3 steer price was €4.58/kg.

Note that reported prices exclude VAT but include all bonus payments such as in-spec bonus, breed-based producer groups etc.

EU and UK prices:

Across the EU, the average reported price for R3 grading young bulls was €5.35/kg (excluding VAT) for the week ending 19th October, 2024. This is 46c higher than week 42 of last year when prices averaged €4.89/kg for this category.

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 4c/kg to €6.13/kg.

Bord Bia

Quotes

Base quotes from the major processors have improved this week with €7.30/kg – €7.40 for well finished lambs (+QA bonus) on offer, with tightening lamb numbers contributing to this uplift. The improvements in the trade are also being  supported by stable demand from both the domestic and export markets.

Tighter lamb supplies are also a feature in other key lamb producing regions of Europe and the UK with the latest production and forecast figures indicating a contraction in flock sizes and lamb availability for slaughter.

Prices

Last weeks reported deadweight price increased by 8c/kg to €7.31/kg, reflective of the improvement in quoted prices from the major lamb processors in the last few weeks. In the corresponding week in 2023 the reported deadweight price was €6.23/kg. The deadweight trade has also improved across the UK regions.

Reported spring lamb prices in mainland GB were the equivalent of €7.43/kg  last week (+5c/kg) while in Northern Ireland there was a notable improvement in the trade to €7.15/kg (+14c/kg). Relatively tight supplies of lamb for slaughter in Northern Ireland combined with competition from the live export trade to both mainland GB and ROI has contributed to this firming in the trade.

Southern Hemisphere prices remain well below European prices however in more recent months there has been a narrowing in the price differential with the EU. The lead time on product shipments and this recent improvement in deadweight prices should impact their competitiveness on EU markets in the short to medium term.

Prices this week slipped slightly and are at €5.01/kg and €4.36/kg for Australia and New Zealand respectively (decreasing by 3c/kg and 1c/kg). Thhhis decline follows on from a 10 week period in which week on week increases were recorded in deadweight prices.

 

Throughput

There was a notoble decrease in the total sheep kill in DAFM approved plants last week to 49,526  head, compared to 57,499 the same week in 2023. Tighter supplies has been a feature of the 2024 lamb season to date with a smaller lamb crop, a difficult lambing and changeable grass growing conditions all impacting lamb availability for processing.

Total TYD slaughter is down 9% on 2023 to total 2,096,153 head.

Bord Bia

São Paulo, Brazil – In a significant environmental enforcement move, Brazilian authorities have imposed multimillion-pound fines on several of the country’s largest meat-packing companies for purchasing cattle from farms linked to illegal Amazon deforestation.

This action forms part of Brazil’s intensified commitment to combat illegal land clearance and protect the Amazon, often called the “lungs of the Earth.” The fines, issued by the federal environmental agency IBAMA, followed a year-long investigation tracking the origins of cattle sold to major meat processors.

The investigation revealed that cattle were being raised on illegally deforested lands before being moved to legitimate farms—commonly known as “laundering”—to evade detection by authorities. This practice has been highlighted as a major driver of deforestation, responsible for the destruction of large swathes of the Amazon rainforest each year.

Brazil’s Ministry of the Environment confirmed fines exceeding £10 million against leading companies, marking one of the largest crackdowns in recent years. Ricardo Salles, Brazil’s Environment Minister, stated, “This should serve as a stark warning to the industry. We will not tolerate any activity that fuels illegal deforestation and undermines our national and global environmental commitments.”

Illegal Cattle Laundering in the Amazon

The Brazilian beef industry is among the largest in the world, and demand for Amazon land continues to surge. But rapid expansion has had a devastating environmental toll, with roughly 80% of deforested areas in the Amazon converted into pastureland for cattle. Environmental groups argue that lax monitoring, coupled with limited enforcement, has encouraged illegal land seizures and cattle laundering, which are difficult to trace along the complex supply chains that deliver meat from remote Amazon farms to international markets.

In recent years, global pressure on Brazil to halt Amazon deforestation has mounted, particularly from European and North American markets, where consumers increasingly demand proof that their meat purchases are not contributing to environmental harm. To address these concerns, many large Brazilian meat packers, including JBS, Marfrig, and Minerva, have made sustainability pledges to end deforestation in their supply chains. However, enforcement is an ongoing challenge.

Repercussions for the Meat Industry

The recent fines underscore the financial risk companies face if they fail to adhere to sustainability commitments. For some, the penalties come as a wake-up call. Several major supermarket chains and food suppliers worldwide have already responded by temporarily suspending purchases from the fined companies, citing the need for stricter compliance assurances. One UK-based retailer stated, “We are committed to ethical sourcing and are in discussions with our suppliers to ensure that none of our products contribute to deforestation.”

Environmental advocates are optimistic that the fines will catalyse stronger measures across the beef industry, encouraging companies to improve their tracking systems and better monitor the origins of cattle in their supply chains. Some activists, however, argue that fines alone are insufficient, urging Brazil’s government to implement real-time satellite monitoring and stricter penalties to deter illegal deforestation.

A Global Impact on Consumer Choices

The crackdown may further impact the global meat industry as consumers grow more conscious of environmental issues linked to food production. A 2023 study found that 55% of UK consumers are now more likely to avoid products linked to environmental destruction, with sustainably-sourced alternatives steadily gaining popularity.

As Brazil steps up its efforts to safeguard the Amazon, the message to the global meat market is clear: sustainable practices are no longer optional, and the stakes—for companies and consumers alike—are higher than ever.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced the appointment of two businesses to provide inspectors and veterinary professionals for future meat inspections in the UK. 

The two companies, Eville & Jones and HallMark Veterinary & Compliance Services, have been awarded contracts to supply official veterinarians and meat hygiene inspectors. They will oversee the safety, hygiene, and welfare standards within meat plants.

An FSA spokesperson said:
“Meat inspection is a vital part of safeguarding food safety, and these appointments ensure that we have the necessary expertise to continue protecting consumers while supporting industry standards.”

This initiative is particularly important as the UK food industry adapts to evolving demands and challenges in food safety. By ensuring a robust inspection framework, the FSA aims to continue upholding the country’s strong reputation for safe and high-quality meat products.

FSA.

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The countdown begins for UK Sausage Week 2024.

Running from Monday, 28th October to Sunday, 3rd November 2024, the week will see butchers, wholesalers, caterers, and food lovers across the country come together to celebrate one of the nation’s favourite foods: the sausage!

UK Sausage Week has long been a celebration of both traditional British bangers and innovative new flavours, highlighting the craftsmanship of the UK’s finest sausage producers. It’s a week dedicated to celebrating the diversity of this humble food, with everything from pork and Cumberland sausages to gourmet, vegetarian, and even plant-based varieties being thrust into the spotlight.

Sausage Producers Prepare for the Big Week

The country’s top butchers and producers are preparing to showcase their best creations, with many launching limited-edition sausages and offering exclusive promotions. This year promises to be bigger than ever, as demand for quality sausages continues to rise in both retail and food service sectors.

 

Key players in the meat trade, including Meatex Ltd, are gearing up to supply wholesalers, caterers, and retail butchers with the best sausage products. Meatex is known for securing top-quality meats at competitive prices, and the company is planning special promotions to mark the occasion. “UK Sausage Week is a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with our customers and celebrate the great British sausage,” says Dave from Meatex. “We’ll be offering a range of deals on sausages and highlighting some exciting new flavours.”

Sizzling Competitions and Awards

A highlight of the week will be the prestigious UK Sausage Week Awards, where the best bangers in the country will be crowned. Categories include Best Traditional Sausage, Best Innovative Sausage, and even Best Vegetarian Sausage, reflecting the growing popularity of meat-free alternatives. Butchers, suppliers, and retailers will compete for these coveted titles, with winners gaining nationwide recognition.

Get Involved in UK Sausage Week 2024

For sausage fans across the UK, this week is a chance to indulge in all things sausage, whether that’s trying new recipes, supporting local butchers, or discovering new flavours. Restaurants and pubs are also getting in on the action, with many planning sausage-themed menus and events.

As the countdown to UK Sausage Week 2024 begins, there’s no better time to start planning how you’ll get involved. Whether you’re a supplier, a caterer, or just a sausage enthusiast, mark your calendars for a week of sizzling celebrations!

Let the sausage fest begin!

Scotland’s red meat and offal exports beyond the UK have experienced a significant rise, reaching a value of £137 million, according to the latest survey by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). The report highlights a remarkable recovery in the sector, with a 26% increase in export value compared to previous years.

Beef exports played a crucial role in this growth, contributing 67% of the total value. Lamb and pig meat also added substantially, while offal exports showed strong performance, further boosting the overall figures.

Sarah Millar, Chief Executive of QMS, welcomed the findings, describing the surge as a testament to the hard work and resilience of Scotland’s red meat industry in navigating challenges such as Brexit, fluctuating market conditions, and rising costs. She emphasized that this increase demonstrates the enduring demand for Scotland’s high-quality, sustainably produced meat in international markets.

Europe remains the largest export destination for Scottish red meat, accounting for the majority of the trade, though significant growth was observed in exports to Asian and Middle Eastern markets.

The QMS report underlines the vital role of exports in supporting the Scottish economy, particularly rural communities. With red meat and offal exports outside the UK contributing significantly to the sector’s £2 billion turnover, the figures serve as an encouraging sign for the future of Scotland’s farming and food industry.

QMS continues to support the sector through initiatives aimed at improving sustainability, animal welfare, and traceability, all of which are key drivers behind Scotland’s growing reputation in global markets. As demand for premium Scottish meat increases, the focus will now turn to expanding existing markets and exploring new trade opportunities outside the EU.

Prices

Deadweight pig prices in Ireland are on an upward trajectory in response to relatively tight supplies for slaughter. Prices have increased steadily week on week from a low of 190c/kg in mid February 2024. The average price paid for grade E pig prices in Ireland for the w/e 5th   October was €2.18/kg excluding Vat. The current Irish price is the same as the corresponding week last year.

Throughput

While throughput has improved in the last quarter demand continues to run ahead of supplies. Total throughput YTD is 2,490,838 which is marginally behind the corresponding period in 2023.

The latest available data from the CSO shows that Irish exports of primary pigmeat products were valued at €243 million, 2% higher than the corresponding period in 2023. A recovery in pig supplies for processing and a slight improvement in carcase weights have contributed to a similar 2% increase in export volumes during H1.

Within the H1 exports, there were notable increases in the value of trade to the UK (+16% to €71 million), and EU markets (+25% to €59 million). Meanwhile, there were declines in the value of Irish pigmeat exports to Asian markets (-15% to €77 million) and Oceania (-37% to €16 million.).

Bord Bia

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