UK Achieves “Negligible” BSE Risk Status, Boosting Farm Sector and Trade

UNITED KINGDOM – June 2, 2025 – The United Kingdom’s international risk status for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been officially downgraded to “negligible” by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). This pivotal change is expected to deliver a substantial boost to the UK’s food and farm sector, opening up significant new trade opportunities globally.

According to Gov.uk, this improved risk status for British beef and bovine products means more countries are likely to open their markets to UK exports. Furthermore, the abattoir and meat processing industry stands to benefit from reduced operational burdens and considerable financial savings due to subsequent adjustments in control measures.

The UK’s success in achieving this negligible risk rating is a testament to its exceptionally high standards in biosecurity and the rigorous controls that have been diligently implemented over several decades. Farming Minister Zeichner highlighted the positive impact on trade and animal health, while UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss underscored the robust food safety systems in place. Natasha Smith, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the Food Standards Agency, also reinforced the commitment to maintaining these high standards.

The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has already noted the potential financial upside of this downgrade. For instance, the ability to recover mesenteric fat, previously restricted due to BSE concerns, could alone generate approximately £10 million per year for the industry. This downgrading marks a significant milestone, reinforcing confidence in British beef and paving the way for expanded international trade.

China Imposes Nationwide Ban on Brazilian Poultry Over Avian Influenza, Reuters Reports

BEIJING – May 30, 2025 – China has issued a comprehensive ban on all imports of poultry and related products from Brazil, citing an avian influenza outbreak, according to Reuters. This broad prohibition comes two weeks after Beijing initially suspended import applications from individual Brazilian poultry farms.

The General Administration of Customs of China, in a notice dated May 29, declared that all direct and indirect Brazilian poultry imports are now prohibited. Any such products brought or mailed into the country will be returned or destroyed. Furthermore, all animal and plant waste from incoming ships originating from Brazil must undergo treatment under customs supervision and cannot be discarded without explicit authorisation.

The drastic measure follows Brazil’s confirmation on May 16 of a bird flu outbreak on a commercial poultry farm located in Montenegro, in its southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul. This single confirmed outbreak triggered a wave of international trade bans against the world’s largest poultry exporter and China’s primary chicken meat supplier.

Despite requests from the Brazilian government to limit any embargo to poultry products solely from the affected city, China’s announcement indicates it has opted for a nationwide ban. While China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are key destinations for Brazilian chicken exports, the latter three countries have only imposed statewide bans. The European Union and South Korea have also enacted bans on Brazilian chicken.

Brazil’s poultry industry is a global powerhouse, having exported approximately $10 billion worth of chicken meat in 2024, accounting for roughly 35% of the global trade. This nationwide ban from China, a crucial market, is expected to inflict significant economic pain not only on Brazilian farmers but also on major importers.

Irish Pig Prices Show Upward Trajectory Amidst Tight Supplies

IRELAND – May 30, 2025 – Deadweight pig prices in Ireland are demonstrating an upward trend, driven by relatively tight supplies for slaughter, despite a slight dip in reported averages last week.

Producers reported an average price of €2.20/kg available from processors, though some are achieving prices 4c/kg higher, signalling robust demand for pigs. For the week ending May 4th, 2025, the average reported price paid for Grade E pig carcasses in Ireland was €2.11/kg (excluding VAT). This current Irish price is 1.8% lower than the corresponding week last year, when the Grade E pig price stood at €2.15/kg.

Across the European Union, the average price for a Grade E carcass for the same week (ending May 4th, 2025) was €2.05/kg (excluding VAT). This marks a slight increase of 2c/kg from the previous week’s EU average, but remains 6% (14c/kg) behind prices for the same month last year, when the EU average pig price was €2.19/kg.

In terms of throughput, while there has been an improvement in the last quarter, demand continues to outstrip supplies. Total year-to-date throughput stands at 1,164,951 head, marginally behind the corresponding period in 2024. For the week ending May 4th, throughput was 69,578 head, including 1,812 sows. There was a 5% increase in the total throughput of fattener pigs during the first quarter of 2025, indicating growing production despite overall supply constraints.

Bord Bia

Irish Lamb Prices Firming Amidst Tight Supply, Though Deadweight Prices Dip Slightly

IRELAND – [May 30, 2025] – The Irish lamb market is showing signs of firming, driven by tight supplies and stable demand, although deadweight prices experienced a slight dip recently.

Base quotes from major processors had been declining for several weeks, but the week ending April 27th saw an increase, with offers reaching €8.70-€8.80/kg for well-finished lambs, including Quality Assurance (QA) bonuses. Sellers achieving prices at the higher end of the market have also successfully negotiated increased carcass weight allowances up to 23kg.

This strengthening trade is attributed to relatively constrained lamb supplies combined with consistent demand from both domestic and export markets throughout 2024 and into early 2025. Tight lamb supplies are also a trend across key European and UK lamb-producing regions, as evidenced by Eurostat figures indicating a contraction in breeding flock numbers. In Ireland, the ewe flock decreased by 3.7% in the December 2023 census compared to December 2022, representing a reduction of 107,000 head and contributing to the current supply tightness.

Reported deadweight prices for the week ending April 27th increased by 42c/kg to €8.63/kg, however this reflects a slight drop following two consecutive weeks of price increases. In the corresponding week of 2024, the reported deadweight price was significantly higher at €9.43/kg. The deadweight trade has also seen a slight decline across UK regions, with reported lamb prices in mainland GB at €8.05/kg (-15c/kg) and in Northern Ireland at €8.82/kg for the week ending April 27th 2025.

While Southern Hemisphere prices remain below European levels, they have improved considerably in recent weeks, narrowing the price differential with the EU. This recent improvement should impact their competitiveness in EU markets in the medium to longer term. This week, prices in Australia and New Zealand are at €4.67/kg and €4.50/kg, showing a slight increase and decrease respectively.

There was a decrease in the total sheep kill in Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) approved plants last week, totalling 32,881 head, compared to 34,712 in the same week of 2024. A smaller lamb crop and difficult lambing conditions have contributed to the tighter supplies and reduced throughput. Total year-to-date (TYD) slaughter is down 18% on 2024, totalling 689,550 head.

Original source: Bord Bia

Australian Cattle and Sheep Markets Rebound, Slaughter Rates Remain Robust

AUSTRALIA – May 30, 2025 – Australia’s cattle and sheep markets experienced a notable rebound in the week ending May 30, with prices returning to early-month levels across all key indicators. Despite recent rainfall impacting some supply, national slaughter rates remained robust, particularly for cattle.

According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)’s latest weekly market wrap, the cattle market saw prices rise across the board. Yardings, the number of livestock presented at saleyards, decreased on the east coast due to rainfall, though Queensland maintained strong supply. A significant development was the Restocker Yearling Steer achieving a premium over other steer indicators, marking the largest gap between restockers and feeders since March.

The sheep market also displayed considerable strength, primarily driven by strong demand for heavy trade and export lambs. This demand pushed all sheep indicators upwards, with heavy lamb prices surpassing 1,000¢/kg carcase weight (cwt). Multiple saleyards recorded high average prices for heavy lambs, and trade weights also saw increases, nearing previous record levels.

Despite the recent rainfall, national cattle slaughter figures remained high, reaching the highest throughput observed since December 2019. While sheep and lamb slaughter decreased slightly during the week, it continued to stay above year-to-date comparisons from the previous year, indicating sustained activity in the processing sector. The MLA report highlights a dynamic period for Australia’s livestock industry, balancing weather impacts with strong market demand.

Cranswick Launches Major Animal Welfare Review Following Abuse Allegations at Supplier Farm

HESSLE, UK – [May 28, 2025] – Cranswick, one of the UK’s largest pork and poultry producers, has announced a comprehensive, independent review of its animal welfare policies and livestock operations across the UK. The move comes in response to severe animal abuse allegations at Northmoor Farm in Lincolnshire, a pig farm that supplied the company.

The review was prompted by undercover footage released by the Animal Justice Project (AJP), which purportedly showed distressing scenes at the Lincolnshire farm. Allegations include the illegal killing of piglets under 10kg by blunt force trauma – a method commonly known as “piglet thumping,” which was outlawed in 2022 – alongside claims of pigs being beaten with metal bars and left to suffer in squalid conditions.

Following the public exposure of the footage, Cranswick swiftly suspended its arrangements with Northmoor Farm and confirmed it would not sell any pigs sourced from the facility. Major UK retailers, including Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco, also suspended Northmoor Farm as a supplier.

This significant welfare review comes as Cranswick reported robust financial results for the year ending March 29, 2025, with revenues climbing 6.8% to £2.72 billion and pre-tax profits increasing by 14.6% to £181.6 million. Despite the positive financial performance, the scandal underscores the ongoing scrutiny of animal welfare practices within the food production sector.

Original source: BBC News

Argentina Moves Closer to Beef Offal Export Deal with China

Argentina is poised to strike a significant new trade agreement with China, aimed at expanding exports of beef offal – a move that could help revitalise its pressured meat industry and reshape international supply dynamics.

According to reports, talks between Argentine and Chinese officials are in their final stages, with a Chinese delegation expected to visit Argentina on 8 June to complete technical assessments and finalise the agreement.

China Remains a Key Market – Despite a Dip

China remains Argentina’s largest export destination for beef, but recent data shows a notable slowdown. Exports to China accounted for 56.4% of total shipments in Q1 2025, down from 68% in 2024. Volume-wise, the drop is stark: 203,000 tonnes in early 2024 compared to just 137,000 tonnes for the same period in 2025.

This decline has been attributed to:

• Low prices offered by Chinese buyers in early 2025 due to high domestic stocks

• A stronger Argentine peso, making exports less competitive

• Ongoing logistical and economic pressures in Argentina’s beef sector

Opportunity in Offal

The proposed agreement focuses specifically on beef offal, a product category in high demand across Asia for its versatility and value. If secured, the deal would open a new channel for Argentine meat processors, many of whom are grappling with rising input costs and falling margins.

For China, it’s a strategic move to diversify agricultural imports amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States. In 2024, China imported a record 2.87 million metric tonnes of beef, and Argentina, Brazil, and Australia remain key players in that supply chain.

While the deal brings opportunity, Argentina’s meat industry continues to call for domestic support. Producers are lobbying for a reduction in export taxes and increased incentives to maintain global competitiveness, particularly for value-added products like offal.

Original source: Reuters

Meat and Poultry price inflation continues in May

The AIMS Fresh Meat and Poultry Monthly inflation report published today (Wednesday 28^th May) shows that across the 4 species covered; beef, lamb, pork and chicken, that overall prices have nudged ahead by 0.9% for the month 30^th April to 27^th May. This is against the BRC’s latest fresh food inflation figure of 1.8%.

“In the BRC food inflation figures published yesterday (Tuesday 27^th May) CEO Helen Dickinson noted that “red meat eaters may have noticed their steak got a little more expensive as wholesale beef prices increased”” said Tony Goodger, Head of Communications at AIMS.

“With two bank holidays during our reporting period coupled with prolonged periods of warm weather our analysis of beef steak and lean mince shows an average of +3.71% for the month whilst with the Easter beef roasting joint promotions now passed, these dropped back by 4p/kg (-0.27%)” Tony continued.

“However, whist BRC have noted fresh food inflation increasing to 2.4% year on year in May, the four species covered in AIMS’ report have risen collectively by 11.32% (+£1.54kg)”.

“Beef and Lamb have shown the biggest rises with increased demand from an ever-growing customer base both in the domestic and global markets, while pork and chicken have seen increased input costs from feed, energy, labour, insurance and the ongoing need to improve site biosecurity”, said Tony.

“I fully expect the upward year on year trend to continue especially as the impact of the changes to the minimum wage and national insurance really begin to kick in. That said, there are still some great value and versatile lines available such as pork fillet and mince and British chicken drumsticks and legs”.

Beef: Steaks Sizzle, Roasts Retreat

The early summer heat and double bank holidays drove a surge in BBQ favourites:

• Beef Fillet Steak rose by +4.92% month-on-month

• Lean Mince jumped +4.07%

• Meanwhile, Roasting Joints fell slightly (-0.27%) as Easter promotions faded

Year-on-Year Inflation: Up Over 11%

Looking at the bigger picture, AIMS reported a +11.32% increase year-on-year across the four key species – equivalent to +£1.54/kg. Beef and lamb led the charge, fuelled by growing domestic and export demand.

Pork and chicken also edged upward, driven by ongoing challenges:

• Rising feed, labour, energy, and insurance costs

• Continued investment in biosecurity measures

• Knock-on effects of minimum wage and National Insurance increases

Still Some Value to Be Found

Despite the inflation, there are still some strong value options in the market. AIMS highlights:

• Pork fillet and mince – versatile, lean, and cost-effective

• British chicken drumsticks and legs – offering quality and affordability

 

Support Urged for Last Remaining Small Abattoir in Sussex

Downland Traditional Meats Limited, based in Henfield, West Sussex, welcomed Andrew Griffith MP recently as the Arundel and South Downs representative visited the region’s last remaining small abattoir to discuss the growing challenges facing the sector.

Griffith met with owner Luke Smith – a farmer who manages 2,000 acres, 70 native breed cattle and 700 breeding ewes – to better understand what is needed to keep vital infrastructure like this alive in the UK’s food supply chain.

Following the recent closures of Tottingworth in East Sussex and Turners in Farnborough, Downland is now the sole small abattoir left operating in the South East. With farmers now travelling significantly further for slaughter and processing services, Downland has been forced to dramatically increase its throughput, putting further strain on already limited resources.

Mounting Operational Pressures

Running a small abattoir has become increasingly difficult, and Downland is no exception. Key challenges include:

• Rising veterinary and inspection costs, with steep increases in fees for official vets and meat hygiene inspectors

• Environmental compliance pressures, with changes to waste removal rules from the Environment Agency at the start of the year

• Lack of skilled labour, making staffing difficult and expensive

• Short-term lease, preventing access to finance or loans needed to upgrade ageing equipment

• Collapse of secondary by-product markets, such as hides and sheepskin, removing a valuable income stream

These headwinds are compounding financial strain at a time when demand for local, traceable, and sustainable meat is rising. Small abattoirs like Downland play a unique role in supporting native and rare breeds, many of which are not accepted by large-scale processors.

Call for Action

During the visit, Griffith expressed his concern for the future of the industry:

“I am grateful to Luke Smith for taking the time to show me around his Downland Traditional Meat facility. There is a real crisis here for local farmers trying to supply local, sustainable, British meat and are dependent on parts of the supply chain that aren’t making money and are not able to get the sort of investment that they need to stay up with modern standards.

The government must continue the Smaller Abattoir Fund, which was set up by the last government, and ensure it is fair and accessible.”

Original source: Sussex World

UK Food Inflation Hits Annual High as Beef Prices Surge

UK food inflation has reached its highest annual rate since May 2024, with rising costs for beef and fresh produce identified as key drivers, according to recent industry data. A prominent steakhouse chain co-founder has highlighted a significant increase in the price of beef, impacting the broader food sector.

Figures released by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), which represents major supermarkets and retailers, indicate that food prices climbed by 2.8% in the year to May. This marks the highest annual rate since May 2024, when food inflation stood at 3.2%.

Industry experts in agriculture point to a combination of strong consumer demand and constrained supply, partly attributed to a lack of government support for production, as primary factors behind the particular surge in beef prices.

Tomas Maunier, co-founder of the Brazilian-inspired steakhouse chain Fazenda, operating eight restaurants across the UK, described the current climate for the meat industry as “tough times.” He revealed that while his firm has absorbed the majority of increased operational costs, approximately 2% has been passed on to customers.

“Beef, specifically, has seen its cost rise by around 20% over the last 12 months, with a substantial portion of that increase occurring in the past six,” Mr. Maunier stated. He also noted that escalating production expenses and the increase in the national minimum wage are contributing to the overall cost burden, which ultimately affects consumers.

Nick Allen, Chief Executive of the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA), commented that intense competition among supermarkets had previously helped to suppress beef prices. He suggested it was inevitable that these rising farm-gate costs would eventually reach shoppers. “It’s no surprise. The farm price for beef has been consistently climbing to record levels,” Mr. Allen explained, cautioning that the industry faces a “real struggle” to meet demand. He further argued that government schemes have, in his view, prioritised environmental initiatives over direct production support.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, acknowledged that consumers of red meat “may have noticed their steak got a little more expensive” in recent times.

From the farming perspective, Jilly Greed, a fourth-generation arable farmer and suckler beef producer in Devon, underscored the fundamental economics at play. “It is entirely the maths – it’s about supply and demand,” she told the BBC. Ms. Greed elaborated that a “5% shortfall in cattle on the land,” coupled with a “1% increase in consumer demand,” has combined to drive the current price increases.

The ripple effect of these higher base product costs is impacting the entire supply chain. As Mr. Allen observed, “The base product is the highest it’s ever been, and sooner or later that has to filter through to the consumer.” The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), funded by farmers and growers, has also noted that UK cattle prices have been rising at “unprecedented levels” since early 2025. While some of this rise is being passed on to shoppers, AHDB’s latest beef market update indicates that not all of the increased cost is currently being transferred.

Original source: BBC News