Faarea Masud | BBC News

Beef

Beef exports lifted 46% from April 2023 to 113,431 tonnes. This is the largest beef export volume for April since 2015, and the second highest on record.

Exports lifted in most major exports markets, with the United States remaining the largest beef market with exports rising 127% from last year to 27,257 tonnes.

Large increases were also seen in several smaller markets across South-East Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Exports to Thailand more than doubled to 2,141 tonnes, while exports to Saudi Arabia lifted 235% to 1,602 tonnes.

The only major market where exports dipped was for China, where volumes eased 11% compared to last year to 14,888 tonnes. Between considerable increases in exports to smaller markets and a slight fall in exports to China, Australia’s beef exports are now the most diversified they’ve been since 2016; exports outside of Australia’s top four markets have made up 25% of the total in 2024 so far, compared to 17% for the first four months of 2023 and 15% in 2022.

Sheepmeat

Lamb exports rose 41% from April last year to 31,318 tonnes, while mutton exports rose 20% to 18,913 tonnes. This is the largest April export figure for lamb, mutton, and overall sheepmeat exports on record, following very strong export totals in February and March.

The United States remained the largest market for Australian lamb exports, while mutton exports to MENA lifted 144% from last year to 5,853 tonnes, displacing China as our biggest mutton market for the month.

Growth in mutton export volumes was observed across the entire MENA region, but especially in the Gulf States; exports to Saudi Arabia rose 153% to 1,956 tonnes, exports to the United Arab Emirates lifted 28% to 804 tonnes and exports to Qatar lifted a massive 501% to 765 tonnes.

Market access update

On Friday last week, Brazil declared itself free of foot-and-mouth disease ‘without vaccination’. This is a designation that would grant Brazil market access to several key beef markets, if the disease-free status is accepted by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and importing countries.

Over the past decade Brazil has become the world’s largest beef exporter by volume, accounting for around 25% of global trade in 2023. Its exports are heavily geared towards China, where it has market access, and its disease status prevents exports into Japan and South Korea.

Fortunately for Australian exporters, Australia’s suite of free trade agreements (FTA) gives our beef a comparative advantage in global markets regardless of technical market access. In 2026, Australia’s FTA with South Korea will give us a 35% tariff advantage on most favoured nation (MFN) (baseline) trading terms, and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), of which both Australia and Japan are signatories, will give Australia an 18% tariff advantage over MFN trading terms.

 

MLA

The latest figures show that Irish sheep trade prices April 2024 remain firm as supplies tighten. Major processors increased base quotes for hoggets this week. Offers ranged from €9.20/kg to €9.40/kg, including the Quality Assurance (QA) bonus. In addition, small numbers of spring lambs entered Irish processing plants, with €10/kg plus QA bonus available.

The deadweight trade continues to strengthen. Tighter supplies of suitable hoggets are driving demand, while spring lambs have been slower to reach the market. As a result, competition remains strong across all processing plants.

The supply situation is not limited to Ireland. In the UK, hogget throughput has fallen 5% behind 2023 levels. Reports suggest many ewe lambs originally held back for breeding are now being processed instead. Meanwhile, EU forecasts show a 2% decline in throughput for the first half of 2024. This represents a reduction of 580,000 head in the European sheep kill. Consequently, traders expect tighter supplies until the 2024 lamb crop arrives in significant numbers.

Prices

For the week ending 28 April 2024, Irish reported prices for lamb increased to €9.43/kg. That figure marks a 23c rise compared with the previous week. In the same week of 2023, prices averaged €7.32/kg.

The UK trade also performed well. In mainland GB, spring lamb returned €9.92/kg, up 8c. In Northern Ireland, prices improved to €9.60/kg, a rise of 27c. Southern Hemisphere products remain more affordable. Australian lamb stood at €4.14/kg, while New Zealand recorded €3.42/kg, keeping them competitive in EU markets even with shipping costs.

Throughput

DAFM-approved Irish plants processed 34,712 sheep for the week ending 28 April 2024. That was slightly lower than the same week last year. Year-to-date throughput reached 840,150 head, down 10% from 2023. Hogget kill accounted for 750,662 head, which is 8% behind last year. Ewe and ram throughput fell by 10% to 81,026 head, while 7,327 spring lambs have been processed so far this season.

Overall, tight supplies and firm demand are keeping Irish sheep trade prices April 2024 at strong levels, with limited availability shaping both domestic and export markets.

 

Bord Bia

Also:

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e April 28th 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices – April 2024 Market Update

This week’s figures show continued strength in Irish cattle trade & prices April 2024, supported by rising throughput and firm product prices.

Processor quotes improved for steers to €5.15–€5.20/kg, while heifers fetched €5.20–€5.25/kg. Young bulls remained steady at €5.30–€5.40/kg for R grading animals under 24 months. Cow trade also held up well — O grading cows at €4.60/kg, with R grading top-quality cows fetching €4.70–€4.80/kg.**

Throughput is slightly higher than last year**, with 33,164 cattle processed during the week ending April 28, 2024, bringing year-to-date throughput to 596,422 head—a 2.8% increase over the same period in 2023. Prime cattle numbers remain strong, tallying 423,905 head, up 2.7% YoY. Cow throughput rose significantly by 12.5%, totaling 146,167 head.

European & UK Live Trade Prices

On R3 carcass pricing, Ireland’s average was €5.21/kg, slightly behind the previous year’s €5.27/kg. Across Europe, R3 young bulls held steady at €5.02/kg, while Great Britain showed modest gains with R3 steer prices rising to €5.70/kg (approx. £4.89/kg).

 

Bord Bia

 

Also:

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices w/e April 28th 2024

Irish Sheep Trade Prices – Week Ending 13 April 2024

The latest figures show that Irish sheep trade prices April 2024 continue to rise. Major processors lifted base quotes for hoggets this week. Offers now range from 900c/kg to 930c/kg, including the Quality Assurance (QA) bonus. In addition, small volumes of spring lambs entered Irish plants, with 960c/kg plus QA bonus on offer.

The deadweight trade remains firm. Tight supplies of finished hoggets are driving prices upwards. Spring lambs are only beginning to come forward, which adds further pressure on the market.

The supply challenge extends beyond Ireland. In the UK, hogget throughput so far this year is five per cent lower than 2023. Reports indicate that many ewe lambs, once destined for breeding, are now moving into processing. Meanwhile, the EU supply forecast shows a two per cent decline in throughput for the first half of 2024. This reduction equals around 580,000 head fewer sheep. Therefore, supplies are expected to remain tight until the new season lamb crop becomes available in larger numbers.

Prices

Stronger demand ahead of Easter and Ramadan has combined with limited supply. As a result, the Irish deadweight trade has strengthened significantly in 2024. For the week ending 13 April 2024, reported prices rose to 877c/kg. That was a 7c increase on the previous week. In the same week of 2023, the average stood at 705c/kg.

In Great Britain, spring lamb prices reached 993c/kg, up 25c. In Northern Ireland, returns climbed to 870c/kg, an increase of 13c. However, Southern Hemisphere prices remain lower. Australian lamb averaged 398c/kg, while New Zealand reached 342c/kg. This keeps imports from both regions highly competitive in EU markets, even after freight costs.

Throughput

For the week ending 13 April 2024, DAFM-approved plants processed 45,971 sheep. That figure was slightly behind the same week in 2023. Year-to-date throughput now totals 770,908 head, which is five per cent lower than last year. Hogget kill reached 693,854 head, down three per cent. Meanwhile, ewe and ram throughput declined by 7% to 73,678 head. Only 3,323 spring lambs have been processed so far, though numbers are expected to increase in the coming weeks.

Overall, tight supply and firm demand continue to define Irish sheep trade prices April 2024, shaping the outlook for both domestic and export markets.

Bord Bia

See also: Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e April 13th 2024

Welsh Beef producers are set to take centre stage with Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), shining a light on the sectors sustainability credentials during Great British Beef Week (23-30 April).

As part of its activity, which will feature beef farmers from across Wales, HCC is also highlighting practical steps beef farmers can take to improve efficiencies on farm and boost profitability, as well as showing consumers 5 different ways to use PGI Welsh Beef through some delicious recipes.

The nationwide campaign celebrates the versatility and exceptional taste of home produced beef, while highlighting the commitment and dedication of beef farmers to sustainable practices.

HCC’s Campaign Executive, Philippa Gill said: “Without the abundant rainfall we have here in Wales, the Welsh Beef story wouldn’t be what it is today. Beef cattle in Wales are overwhelmingly reared in non-intensive farming systems, using Wales’s natural resources – water and grass.

“PGI Welsh Beef has an incredible story to tell – from the people who produce it, the sustainability and environmental credentials of our Welsh Beef, as well as its versatility and great taste. Those are all things that HCC is going to champion and amplify during the week – taking a multi-pronged approach to highlighting the uniquely Welsh credentials which we know resonate so well with consumers.”

 

Hybu Cig Cymru

 

Also:

PGI Welsh Lamb campaign “a major success”, says HCC

Welsh lamb to be showcased in the US

Welsh secure new lamb deal with Japan

First Shipment of Russian Pork Arrives in China

In a historic move, the first shipment of Russian pork arrives in China, marking the end of a 15-year ban. Chinese authorities lifted African swine fever restrictions in September 2023, paving the way for renewed trade.

The 27-ton consignment originated from the Belgorod region. Russia’s Miratorg holding produced the meat and began its journey on 7 March 2024. It was loaded onto a refrigerated container train at Selyatino, then shipped to Vladivostok. From there, the cargo sailed to Nansha port in China. The journey concluded with the shipment arriving at its destination on 13 April 2024. The entire process took approximately one month.

“Our aim is to expand supply volumes in the coming years and tailor products to Chinese preferences,” said Miratorg’s press service. They highlighted their full control over product traceability—from field to table—and pledged to meet all Chinese veterinary standards.

This shipment, supervised by Rosselkhoznadzor (Russia’s veterinary authority), was handled by Fesco’s subsidiary, Dalreftrans. It received Beijing’s approval based on strict sanitary and quarantine standards.

Furthermore, the success has not been isolated. By early April, another Russian enterprise dispatched three additional pork by‑product shipments to China, totaling nearly 168 tonnes.

Overall, this event signals a turning point for Russian pork exports. It represents the first of many potential shipments that could reshape trade between Russia and China.

 

source: Interfax

 

Also:

Russia sends first pork shipment to China in 15 years

Russian pork exports to China begin ahead of schedule

First Russian pork on its way to China

Boosting pork exports to Southeast Asia: Russia launches the Meat Shuttle

 

Tim Jackson | Meat & Livestock Australia 

 

Also:

Australia manages more than half global sheep meat trade in 2023

Australian goatmeat exports surge in 2023

Australian Government leads red meat mission in the UK

Irish Cattle & Sheep Trade Prices – Week Ending 31 March 2024

Here’s the latest on Irish cattle & sheep trade prices March 2024. It reflects strong demand, tight supply, and evolving market trends.

Cattle & Beef

Throughput remains solid. During the week ending 31 March 2024, DAFM-approved plants processed 31,967 cattle, bringing the year-to-date total to 462,669 head. That represents a 2.4% rise (+10,947 head) compared to the same period last year. Prime cattle stayed on trend, counting 328,559 head, up 2% (+8,879 head) year-on-year. Cow throughput also held steady, with 114,783 cows, a notable 15% increase (+14,625 head).

Base quotes stabilised last week. Steers sold at €5.10–5.20/kg, and heifers fetched €5.20–5.30/kg. Young bulls under R grading ranged between €5.20–5.30/kg. The cow trade remained robust as well. O-grade cows commanded €4.40/kg, while top R-grade cows reached €4.50–4.60/kg. Most processed cows recently recorded a P-grade conformation score, with prices varying by weight and grade.

The average R3 steer price ticked up by 2c to €5.19/kg, just 9c below the same week in 2023 (€5.26/kg).

EU & UK Cattle Prices

Meanwhile, European R3 young bull prices held steady at €5.06/kg, unchanged from the previous year. In Great Britain, R3 steer prices dipped slightly to €5.69/kg (approx. £4.88/kg), but the market remained firm on tight supplies.

Sheep Trade & Prices

On the sheep side, hogget quotes held at 870–900c/kg, including the QA bonus. Supply remains tight due to lower flock numbers and rising production costs. The UK is seeing a 10% drop in hogget carryover, according to AHDB forecasts. In addition, only small numbers of spring lambs—quoted at 920c/kg (+QA)—have reached processors.

Demand shows signs of recovery, based on Kantar and Bord Bia data. However, lamb is the most sensitive protein amid shifting consumer habits.

Spring demand and limited supply drove Irish deadweight lamb prices up to 861c/kg, a 16c increase from the prior week (vs 676c in 2023). In Great Britain, prices stayed steady at 978c/kg, while Northern Ireland improved to 813c/kg. Southern Hemisphere lamb remains competitive, priced at 396c/kg (Australia) and 338c/kg (New Zealand).

Sheep Throughput

Weekly sheep throughput stood at 59,043 head, down slightly on last year. Year-to-date headcount reached 677,727, 4% behind 2023 figures. Hogget kill totaled 610,642 head, 3% lower. Ewe and ram throughput dropped 8% to 65,814 head. Only 1,227 spring lambs have processed so far this year.

Overall, Irish cattle & sheep trade prices March 2024 reflect steady cattle demand, tight lamb supply, and a resilient meat market.

 

BORD BIA