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

Irish Cattle & Sheep Trade Prices – Week Ending 24 March 2024

The latest figures highlight steady performance in Irish cattle & sheep trade prices March 2024. Cattle throughput rose, while sheep supply stayed tight.

Cattle & Beef

During the week ending 24 March 2024, DAFM-approved plants processed 33,106 cattle. This brought year-to-date throughput to 430,700 head. That is a 3% increase (+11,783 head) compared with 418,817 cattle in the same period of 2023.

Prime cattle made up 305,811 head in the first 12 weeks, an increase of 2% (+9,154 head) year-on-year. The mix of slaughter has shifted. Fewer young bulls were processed, but higher steer and heifer throughput offset this decline. Cow throughput also remained strong, with 107,110 cows handled so far this year.

Prices held steady. Steers made €5.15–5.20/kg, while heifers achieved €5.25–5.30/kg. Young bulls under 24 months graded R sold for €5.20–5.30/kg.

The cow trade stayed firm despite higher throughput. Well-fleshed O-grade cows averaged €4.30/kg. Meanwhile, R-grade cows secured €4.50–4.60/kg. P-grade cows varied widely in value depending on weight and quality.

The average R3 steer price rose slightly to €5.22/kg, just below last year’s figure of €5.28/kg.

EU & UK Cattle Prices

In Europe, R3 young bull prices averaged €5.06/kg in late March, 9c lower than the same week in 2023. In Great Britain, the average R3 steer eased to €5.73/kg (approx. £4.90/kg). Even so, firm demand and limited supply supported overall trade.

Sheep Trade & Prices

Hogget quotes strengthened again. Base prices reached 800–820c/kg plus QA bonus, with some producers securing more through negotiation. Tighter supplies across Europe and stronger seasonal demand ahead of Ramadan and Easter added momentum.

Lamb demand also improved in domestic and export markets. However, lamb remains the most exposed protein to inflation-driven changes in consumer spending.

Irish deadweight sheep prices climbed to 845c/kg, a jump of 30c from the week before. In the same week of 2023, the average was €6.45/kg. In Great Britain, spring lamb stood at 978c/kg (down 4c). Northern Ireland recorded 813c/kg, up 3c.

Southern Hemisphere prices stayed lower, with Australia at 398c/kg and New Zealand at 342c/kg. These levels keep their products highly competitive in the EU market despite transport costs.

The combination of strong demand and tight availability pushed the sheep trade to record levels in early 2024.

 

BORD BIA 

QMS Relaunches Scotch Beef Club in Italy to Strengthen Export Connections

On 3 April 2024, QMS relaunched the Scotch Beef Club in Italy, underscoring its commitment to premium export markets. The relaunch took place during a high-profile gastronomic event in Milan, where leading foodservice buyers gathered around a three-course menu featuring Scotch Beef, paired with Scotch whisky tasting. The aim: to enhance brand awareness and strengthen trade ties.

Italy already accounts for £10 million (around 15 %) of Scotch Beef exports as of July 2023 — a significant export channel. Any restaurant worldwide serving quality Scotch Beef can now join the Club and benefit from QMS support, marketing collateral, and promotional resources.

Tom Gibson, QMS’s Director of Business Development, said the initiative helps bring the virtues of traceability, provenance, and consistent quality to chefs and restaurateurs. He emphasised that boosting trade in high-value markets like Italy is a top priority.

QMS Brand Development Manager Gordon Newlands added that the Brand’s compelling story—rooted in quality assurance and ethical production—resonates strongly in the Italian foodservice scene. The relaunched Club offers QMS a structured platform to deepen relationships with chefs, buyers, and partners.

 

Quality Meat Scotland 

Australian goatmeat exports for 2023 reached their second highest volume on record for a calendar year since 2014.

A total of 33,891 tonnes of shipped weight (swt) Australian goatmeat was exported in 2023, a significant increase on the 21,831 swt exported in 2022.

While volume was up, the value of exports was down, reflecting the decline in export goatmeat prices from over $12/kg to below $7/kg over the past 18 months.

Australia’s top three goatmeat export markets for volume in 2023 were the United States, China and South Korea, reflecting the significant increase in volumes exported to China.

China has now overtaken Korea as our second largest export market, despite Korea also increasing its volume.

Market share and export volumes to these three markets in 2023:

• The US accounted for 43% of Australian goatmeat exports, with volume increasing to 14,477 swt in 2023, up from 12,505 swt in 2022.
• China accounted for 20% of Australian goatmeat exports, with volume increasing to 6,757 swt in 2023, up from 290 swt in 2022.
• South Korea accounted for 18% of Australian goatmeat exports, with volume increasing to 5,994 swt in 2023, up from 3,757 swt in 2022.

A number of other markets also increased their volumes in 2023, including Trinidad and Tobago, and to a lesser extent, Malaysia and New Zealand.

 

Meat & Livestock Australia 

Scottish Meat Industry Costs Rise in 2024

The Scottish meat industry costs 2024 are increasing sharply. Stakeholders warn that the scale of these rises could render the sector uncompetitive compared with the rest of the UK.

From 1 April 2024, Food Standards Scotland (FSS) imposed a 20% hike in Official Veterinarian (OV) charges and a 17% rise in Meat Hygiene Inspector (MHI) fees. The Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW) described the move as both excessive and unacceptable.

In contrast, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in England and Wales introduced far smaller increases. OV rates rose by only 4%, while MHI fees increased by 10%. According to SAMW President Ian Bentley, this gap leaves Scottish processors paying significantly more. He warned that such sharp rises would affect businesses, their employees, and the wider rural economy that supplies livestock.

Industry Concerns

SAMW has raised the issue directly with senior FSS officials. The association also wrote to Jenni Minto, Scottish Government Minister for Public Health, to express concern. The letter warned that these charges could jeopardise competitiveness and sustainability across the sector.

Business leaders echoed these worries. One owner said he could never ask his customers to accept a 20% price rise. Another added that if FSS were a private supplier, “it would no longer be his supplier.”

Context

FSS explained the increases by citing rising costs. The agency must absorb the 7% civil service wage rise for 2023/24 and adapt to a 35-hour working week from October 2024. This adds a £424,000 cost recovery requirement.

Nevertheless, many in the trade argue the scale of the increases risks undermining Scotland’s meat supply chain at a time when margins remain tight.

Overall, the sharp rise in Scottish meat industry costs 2024 has sparked strong opposition, with calls for urgent review and government intervention.

 

 Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers