Teys Family to Sell Remaining Stake in Meat Processing Giant to Joint Venture Partner Cargill

Brisbane, Australia – June 5, 2025 – The Teys family, a prominent name in the Australian meat processing industry for generations, has announced its decision to exit the sector. Teys Investments Pty Ltd will sell its 50% share in Teys Australia and Teys USA to its longstanding joint venture partner, the US-based global food and agriculture giant Cargill. Upon completion, Cargill will assume 100% ownership of the operations.

The move marks the end of an era for the Teys family, whose involvement in the Australian meat industry dates back to 1946. The family partnered with Cargill in 2011 to form the Teys Australia joint venture, which grew to become the second-largest beef processor in the country.

According to a joint statement, the Teys family, with its diversified shareholder base, determined that this was the opportune moment to transfer its interests to Cargill. The decision is said to ensure continuity for Teys’ employees, partners, and livestock producers.

“The Teys family is immensely proud to have grown our business into a premier provider of beef to our customers and Australian families,” said Brad Teys, Executive Chairman of Teys. “Cargill has been instrumental in our transformation into a world-class food company. We are confident they are the best owner to grow the business into the future.”

Jon Nash, Executive Vice President and Leader of Cargill’s Food Enterprise, commented, “As family-owned businesses, both Cargill and Teys share the same commitment to nourishing Australia and the rest of the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. We are grateful to the Teys family for this opportunity to continue working alongside Australian livestock producers.”

The transaction encompasses Teys Australia’s network of beef processing plants located in Queensland (Beenleigh, Biloela, Lakes Creek), New South Wales (Tamworth, Wagga Wagga), and South Australia (Naracoorte), as well as Teys USA, its North American sales and distribution arm.

The completion of the sale is contingent upon customary conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is anticipated to be finalized in the second half of 2025. Cargill has indicated it will appoint a new CEO for Teys in due course and will collaborate closely with Brad Teys to facilitate a smooth transition. It is understood that Teys will likely continue to operate as a distinct entity within Cargill’s broader operations.

Financial details of the transaction have not been publicly disclosed.

Surrey Farmers Face Mounting Challenges as Local Abattoirs Close

SURREY, ENGLAND – June 4, 2025 – Farmers in Surrey are grappling with a growing crisis as local abattoirs continue to close, forcing them to seek increasingly distant options for processing their livestock, according to a BBC report. The closures are raising significant concerns about the resilience of the local food supply chain and the future of traditional farming practices.

James Windridge, who heads farming operations at the Hampton Estate in Seale near Farnham, highlighted the immediate impact, revealing his struggle to find a suitable local alternative after his usual abattoir ceased operations four months ago. This sentiment is echoed by the owner of one of the few remaining small abattoirs in south-east England, who expressed serious apprehensions about the industry’s future viability.

A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) acknowledged the crucial role that small abattoirs play in maintaining a robust and resilient food supply chain. Despite this recognition, industry figures are calling for more tangible support.

Luke Smith, who operates Down Land Traditional Meats, emphasised the urgent need for increased financial assistance from the government to ensure the survival of these vital slaughterhouses. The government has stated its commitment to collaborating with the meat processing sector and noted its ongoing investment of £5 billion into farming. However, for many local farmers, the immediate challenge remains the accessibility of local processing facilities as the number of available abattoirs continues to dwindle.

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